OLYMPIC track star Kriss Akabusi was under starter's orders yesterday - ready to pass on some of the secrets of his success.

The retired athlete was in North Yorkshire to join local police during a leadership forum.

The event, at the Parsonage Hotel at Escrick, near York, was held to plan the way forward for the force over the next year.

Akabusi, who is now a motivational speaker, gave an hour-long presentation on how to achieve success and build on past performance.

He began his international athletics career in 1983 as a member of the British 4x400m relay team and is best remembered for helping them clinch gold and beat the US at the World Championships in Tokyo in 1991.

He also memorably won a gold medal in the 400m hurdles in the European Championships in 1990, beating David Hemery's 22-year-old British record. He also holds Olympic silver and bronze medals for team and individual events.