MORE than 400 disabled youngsters from across the Tees Valley were inspired by a world champion paralympian yesterday.

Gold medal winning wheelchair athlete Tanni Grey-Thompson, OBE, addressed the youngsters at an event about the world of work for disabled people.

Called Go For It, the convention at the University of Durham's Stockton Campus included 12 workshops for the young people.

A number of employers of disabled people, including Marks and Spencer and B&Q, also talked to the teenagers who came from 12 schools across the Tees Valley from Darlington to East Cleveland.

A highlight of the day was the speech from Redcar mother Mrs Grey-Thompson who told the youngsters they would have to work harder than able-bodied people to achieve in the world of work.

The event was organised by Connexions which provides support to young people and gives advice about work and education. Workshops were given on subjects including animal care, arts and crafts, catering, gardening, hair and beauty, motor vehicles and IT.

Martin Barrett, marketing manager at Connexions, which organised the event, said: "It was a very successful day. The young people were inspired by Tanni but also took a lot from all parts of the day."