OLYMPIC gold medallist Sally Gunnell visited the North-East yesterday to promote a children's play scheme.

Ms Gunnell, who won the 400m hurdles in Barcelona in 1992, joined in the fun at Tumble Tots in Darlington - and brought her medal along.

She said: "I have never been to Darlington before, so it's nice to be here.

"I have three boys, aged nine, six, and two. All three have been through Tumble Tots and my youngest still does.

"It teaches balance and co-ordination and it's never too young to get active. You go to some schools and the kids can't even run round a field."

Ms Gunnell, 40, added: "I first realised I was fast when I was five, and I spent a lot of time outdoors. We never had anything like this though."

Tumble Tots, founded in 1979, is a play programme for pre-school youngsters, and Ms Gunnell is an ambassador.

The weekly 45-minute sessions are run in Darlington, Stockton, Durham, and Wolviston by Anna Lifford. Darlington's sessions are held at the All Saints Millennium Centre, Ravensdale Road. For more information, phone her on 01325-377576.