Great Britain men's handball team will receive up to £60,000 from the IOC's Olympic solidarity grant scheme to support their entry into the 2012 European Championships.

The news comes as a big boost for the team after the sport was denied funding by UK Sport late last year.

"This is a massive boost for the men's team," said British handball's performance director Lorraine Brown.

"We were in the difficult situation of having to enter the European Championships without knowing for sure if we had the funds to do so.

"But now, thanks to the IOC grant, we can concentrate on making plans for a successful campaign."

Handball's bid was chosen over similar appeals from volleyball and water polo.

The IOC money will be released in stages, with the first tranche being for a preparation camp in Britain and Europe in 2010 and followed by money to support the qualification rounds later next year and into 2011.