Plans to boost the popularity of British handball ahead of the 2012 Olympics received a boost when the sport's main governing bodies agreed to join a working group.

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The International Volleyball Federation and its European counterpart have offered to help promote the sport in Britain in order to take advantage of the London Games in three years' time.

British Handball chief Paul Goodwin, who brought the group together, said: "To have the support of the International Federation and the strongest continental handball federation is extremely important for us."

"For too long handball has fought a battle for recognition in Britain, but now the London Olympics has provided a catalyst for change. I feel sure that handball will not look back now and 2012 is just the beginning."

Initial areas of priority include training British officials, broadcasting the sport on free-to-view TV, access to top-level competition for GB teams and ensuring they get to compete at international level post 2012.