TEENAGERS were inspired to live the healthy life by an Olympic athlete yesterday.

Sprinter Jared Deacon visited High Tunstall School, in Hartlepool, to talk to 14-year-olds and 15-year-olds as part of the school's Health Day.

The youngsters took part in a range of sports and other healthy pursuits which it is hoped they will continue to participate in when they leave school.

Lesley Shepherd, school sports co-ordinator, said: "We were delighted Jared came in his capacity as a sporting champion to host an athletics masterclass.

"We hope his achievements in representing his country at the 2000 Olympics and 1999 World Championships will inspire our students.

"Jared has put in a lot of effort to get where he is today and we want to impress upon our students just what can be achieved through hard work.

"The debate on obesity levels, particularly among young people, is also attracting a lot of attention and this event aims to highlight the health benefits and, most of all, the fun that can be gained from regularly taking part in sport and other healthy activities."

The school successfully applied for a sporting champion to attend its event due to its school sports co-ordinators programme and its achievement of Sportsmark status in 2002 from Sport England. The young people took part in a range of activities including cricket, badminton, archery, aerobics, canoeing, swimming, yoga, healthy cooking, circuit training and dance. Venues also included Hartlepool Cricket Club, Summerhill and Hartlepool Marina.