PARALYMPIC medal winner Tanni Grey-Thompson was guided through a sports session by secondary school pupils yesterday.

She met youngsters from Roseberry Sports and Community College, Chester-le-Street, who have all taken a Sports Leader Award.

The British Sports Trust awards have equipped the students with the skills needed to lead and organise sporting activities.

As part of the course they had to organise an event for youngsters. At the event, they instructed Tanni and 100 children from Roseberry College and local primary schools.

Tanni said. "The reason I wanted to get involved with the British Sports Trust is that it is all about people getting involved in sport and helping to make a difference in your local community.

"You don't have to be an elite athlete to take a Sports Leader Award - just some 'get up and go' and an interest in helping others."

Pam Turner, the college's director of PE and sport, said: "It means a great deal to the students to meet Tanni.

"This visit has given them a real boost to encourage them to achieve their goals and to take their studies further.

"It was an impressive sight watching the sports leaders instruct Tanni and the children through a variety of activities from a game of netball to scaling the climbing wall."