A FORMER international encouraged children new to running that they should remember where they start.

Jenny Meadows told boys and girls from Vale Royal Athletics Club she always felt great pride to compete in Wigan's colours even after reaching the top of her chosen sport.

She said: "That was always important to me.

"Hopefully you'll go on to have long careers in athletics, and volunteer coaches here are the ones that can help you make the most of your talent."

The 37-year-old, who won a bronze medal in the women's 800m at the world championships in 2009, was at Hartford Campus last Thursday to take a training session for the club's under 11s.

Close to 40 juniors took part in the sunshine, completing drills designed to improve their technique and co-ordination.

Afterwards, they quizzed the Great Britain star on her past.

"I was so impressed," she said.

"They had clearly thought about what they wanted to know."

Her first visit to Northwich was arranged by Sarah Gibbs, lead coach for the club's youngest athletes.

Afterwards they asked for pictures, and autographs too, from their guest.

Gibbs said: "It's an amazing feeling to see the kids so enthused about athletics.

"They stayed focused the whole time, and it had an impact on them to take advice from somebody like Jenny.

"Hopefully they went home feeling inspired, and I think the coaches will feel the same."

Meadows used a series of exercises to teach the children about the nuances of racing.

They listened, and copied.

She added: "At this stage it's important to concentrate on what you're doing, and not compare yourself to others.

"Sometimes you have to make a move while racing, and to make a decision quickly.

"But our technique needs to stay the same."

There were gasps of excitement when she announced a switch to the track for sprints over a longer distance.

Afterwards, she told the Guardian it had been heartening to see so many youngsters enjoying athletics together.

"I visit lots of clubs," she added.

"But the turnout here, and the support from coaches, is among the best that I've seen."

β€œIt’s a challenge for athletics clubs to get kids into the sport, and to keep them there.”

Vale Royal is home to hundreds of youngsters from across mid Cheshire.

Their under 11s, trained by Gibbs in tandem with Dave Copsey, Lisa Meadows and Phil Maundrill with co-ordination from Jacky Thorn, train every Thursday during the summer at Hartford from 7pm.

For further details, visit valeroyalathleticclub.com