OLYMPIC gold medal winner Sally Gunnell has given her seal of approval to a new award scheme to recognise and reward the achievements of young people in the Tees Valley.

On Tuesday, she visited Eastbourne sports complex at Eastbourne Comprehensive School, Darlington, to launch the Celebration of Learning Awards 2003.

After meeting pupils, Miss Gunnell 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.

"You cannot just expect to have talented people, you've got to nurture these people on to the road to success.

"We are very good at putting people down but these awards recognise people who have done something outstanding and is a key part of raising their motivation. If you know anyone aged 13-19 in the area who has achieved, nominate them."

Award categories include arts, business, construction, technology, sports, retail and volunteering. There are also four special awards: friend achiever, family achiever, special achiever and young achiever of the year. The winners will be chosen by the public.

Nomination forms are available in schools, colleges and from Connexions Tees Valley one stop shops, and can be downloaded from these organisations and the Learning and Skills Council Tees Valley web sites.

The awards are funded and organised by Learning and Skills Council Tees Valley and Connexions Tees Valley.