A SPORTING champion met young hopefuls to inspire them to take up the sport.

Heather Munro, bronze medalist at the 2005 World Orienteering Championships, was guest speaker at the Step into Sport conference held at Soccarena, in Durham City, on Friday.

Seventy-eight young people, from seven School Sport Partnerships in Durham County - Chester le Street, Derwentside, Durham City, Easington, Sedgefield, Teesdale and Wear Valley - were able to receive advice and take part in a number of workshops.

The main aim of the conference was to help participants improve leadership and event organisation.

Helen Emmerson, communications officer with Durham Sport, said: "We're really pleased to have hosted this event, which will help develop the confidence and leadership skills of many young people.

"They can now take the knowledge and the skills they've acquired to their community volunteering placements, at various clubs throughout Durham."

Judith Rasmussen, regional director with Sport England North-East, said: "The Step into Sport conference was a great success and it is fantastic to see so many young people interested in combining sport with volunteering.

"The speech given by Heather Munro was a tremendous inspiration, and has motivated the youngsters to apply their knowledge and enthusiasm for sport in order to help others in a volunteering capacity."