SPORTS-mad youngsters in Durham are bringing success to a new business that has won the backing of Olympic gold medallist Jonathan Edwards.

Sport in Action Ltd was set up by Steve Wright, Graham Cook and Dan Lewis after they spotted a gap in the market for providing after-school and holiday sports activities and approached Business Link County Durham for support.

The three started their business at the Graham Sports Centre, in Durham, ten months ago after they met at Durham University on a sports degree course.

Advice and access to an accounting course came from Chester-le-Street and City of Durham Enterprise Agency, with an Enterprise Allowance providing financial backing.

Sport in Action has already established clubs and activities at a number of local schools. It is also involved in lecturing and coaching local youth and county teams.

Plans are in hand to meet the growing demand by expanding across the county using additional part-time sports coaches.

When Jonathan Edwards, Olympic gold medallist and triple jump world record holder, learned about Sport in Action's operation, he gave the initiative his backing.

"Although we are competing with computers and television for youngsters' leisure time, we are finding that most of them are really keen to be active and participate in sports if they are given the opportunity," said Mr Cook.

He added: "There tends to be less time for PE and sport in the school curriculum now and, coupled with concerns about children's level of health and fitness, we were confident that there would be a demand for after-school sports.

"Football tends to be the favourite but we offer a wide variety of sports including rugby, cricket, volleyball, gymnastics, netball and multi-activity sessions."

The trio all bring a speciality sport to the business. Mr Cook, who lives in Hartlepool, is a former member of England's rugby squad and has wide coaching experience.

Mr Lewis played cricket for England at school level and Mr Wright is a former Northern League footballer.

Pam Glasper, of Business Link County Durham, said: "In the past five years we have helped more than 2,000 new businesses start up in the county, but this is perhaps one of the more unusual ones. It is nice to think we are helping youngsters to enjoy themselves and get fit.

"We were confident that they would be successful and Sport in Action certainly looks on target to be amongst the 70 per cent of businesses still doing well after 18 months.