Olympic champion visits

The Gold medal-winning athlete visited Eastbourne Sports Complex at Eastbourne Comprehensive School in Darlington, where she launched the awards which are open to youngsters from Teesside and Darlington.

Ms Gunnell met with pupils from the school and gave her seal of 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. If you know anyone aged 13-19 in the area who has achieved, nominate them." The winners of the awards will be chosen by the general public who can vote for the most deserving winners.

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 will be held on November 28 with a ceremony at Tall Trees, Yarm.

Nomination forms are available in local schools and colleges.