OLYMPIC champion Sally Gunnell will attempt to help Blackburn and Darwen youngsters make the leap from primary to secondary school successfully.

The 400 metre hurdler, who won gold in the 1992 Barcelona games, will be the guest speaker at Movin' On Up, a motivational event for borough youngsters at Ewood Park on November 4.

Blackburn with Darwen council is one of only 20 local authorities across the UK to be given funding for the initiative.

The scheme has been launched after research showed that pupil achievement levels often drop in the first year at senior school.