OLYMPIC champion athlete Sally Gunnell visited the region yesterday to launch an awards scheme celebrating the achievements of young people.

The former gold medal-winning hurdler came to Eastbourne Sports Complex at Eastbourne Comprehensive School in Darlington, where she launched awards which are open to youngsters from Teesside and Darlington.

Ms Gunnell met pupils from the school and gave her approval to the Celebration of Learning Awards 2003, which are being funded and organised by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) Tees Valley and Connexions Tees Valley.

She said: "The future of the Tees Valley depends so much upon young people as it is their efforts and choices that will shape this area in the next 25 years.

"Recognising and rewarding their success is a key part of raising their motivation and enhancing aspiration. This is a chance for the young people of Tees Valley to shine."

She urged anyone who knew anyone in the area aged 13-19 to nominate them.

The winners will be chosen by a public vote.

Pam Eccles, executive director of learning at LSC Tees Valley, said: "It is always important to reward the successes of young people.

"Their achievements may have been in the face of challenging circumstances or great adversity. A young person may have changed the way things are done through their words or actions.

"Or they may have gone above and beyond those who have gone before.

"This really is a rare opportunity for people to see what the young people of Tees Valley are capable of, and how proud we are of our young adults."

Fiona Blacke, chief executive of Connexions Tees Valley, said: "Sally Gunnell is a marvellous inspiration. She worked hard as a young person and went on to achieve success for her country as an adult.

"I am sure, in their own way, many of our award winners will find real success in their futures."

The awards ceremony will be on November 28 at Tall Trees, in Yarm, near Stockton. Nomination forms are available in schools and colleges.