A SPORTS development programme pioneered in the North-East could prove a role model in producing high achieving performers of the future.

The Durham Sporting Club earned the endorsement of Sports Minister Richard Caborn following the launch of the partnership, which taps into the expertise of several educational establishments and sporting bodies in the city.

It will link up young athletes and coaches with fitness and medical experts as well as officials and governing bodies of various sports.

Partners include the city's swimming, rowing, cricket, hockey, athletics and rugby clubs, plus Durham Gilesgate Sports College, East Durham and Houghall Community College, Durham University, Sport England (North-East) and the city council.

An impressed sports minister heralded the development at the launch at Durham University's Graham Sports Centre, at Maiden Castle.

Mr Caborn said by using the know-how within existing clubs, the new initiative represents "a model" in adopting a joint approach.

He said it could only encourage more youngsters to take up sport, or to aspire to greater things as they grow older.

"Seventy per cent of young people leaving secondary education in this country never come back into active sport again, while in France it's only 20 per cent, and we have to ask why is that happening?

"We have to see how we can link clubs, the community and the education structure.

"I see this as very exciting and a very important development in how we can move things on together."

University director of sport Dr Peter Warburton said all the partners share an interest in the sporting potential of Durham.

"We aim to extend participation at all levels, develop pathways into high performance, increase the number and quality of officials and coaches, and ensure the best use of our collective facilities," he said.

Each of the partner bodies aims to streamline its own operation to provide the best environment to help sporting prodigies proceed effectively to higher levels of achievement, backed by the facilities and know-how of their club and the other group members.

Input by Sport England and the various governing bodies means the project also meets regional, national and international objectives, improving the chances of successful funding bids