British Fencing has secured a £1m sponsorship deal with which to fund full-time training for team members, a national academy and events in Britain.

The cash, from insurers Beazley, represents a 32% increase in funding for the sport, which saw UK Sport decrease its backing two years ago.

British Fencing now hopes to double the number of fencers it can support.

"This will make an enormous difference to the sport in this country," said British Fencing chief Piers Martin.

"Fencing in Britain is an unsung success story.

"With a small amount of funding our top fencers have leapt up the world rankings, winning medals at both individual and team levels.

"However, our constrained finances have meant agonising budget decisions over which athletes and activities we can and can't support."

BBC Sport understands this cash influx, spread over a five-year period, will be used to provide up to 20 elite fencers with the funds necessary to train full-time.

The money will also support a national academy project, staged for the first time in Nottingham last year, boost grassroots fencing funding, and aid the sport's marketing ventures.