ATHLETES both able-bodied and with learning difficulties have tasted success recently.

A team of 28 athletes with learning difficulties shone in the recent Special Olympics National Summer Games.

The team - all from the Durham County Council area -travelled to Glasgow, where they won eight gold, 15 silver and eight bronze medals.

The competitors included Joanne Glennie, from the Auckland Gate Centre, in Bishop Auckland, who won a gold, silver and bronze medal in track events.

Wheelchair-bound David Craggs, from the Durham Centre, took two golds for personal achievement in motor activities such as negotiating obstacles, and there were two silvers for the county's five-a-side footballers.

David Jamieson, Special Olympics co-ordinator for Durham County Council, said: "I am proud to be part of this squad, watching the athletes training over months and years to be able to compete at the highest level possible for the individual.

"They are a credit to themselves, the county and the region. On behalf of all the athletes and coaches, I would like to thank the staff, parents and carers for their support and the council for their enthusiasm and backing of the event.

"Without this support, we could not achieve what we did in Glasgow."

The athletes received certificates and gifts from Durham County Council chairman Ernie Foster.

Meanwhile, an athlete from Chester-le-Street is targeting an Olympic place after rowing her way to two gold medals in a top European competition.

Emma Steel, 18, was a member of the Junior Great Britain team taking part in the Coup de la Jeunesse event at the weekend.

Held at Dorney Lake, in Eaton, which will be the setting for the British Olympics rowing events, the Great Britain team came out on top despite stiff opposition from 12 other European countries.

Emma, who was stroke in the quad event, led her team to victory in two finals.

Emma, from Sheelin Avenue, first developed an interest in rowing when she attended Red Rose Primary School in Chester-le-Street.

She said: "I began by using a rowing machine, which I really enjoyed."

She was then pointed in the direction of Durham City Amateur Rowing Club, which she has attended since the age of 11.

Under the guidance of coach Geoff Graham, Emma rows every single day, and it was her expertise in the Junior Great Britain team trials which won her a place in the squad.

Now awaiting her A-level results, Emma is hoping to take up a place at Durham University where she will be able to continue taking part in her favourite sport.

"Apart from completing a degree in geography at Durham my burning ambition is to be selected for the Olympics," said Emma.