BLACKPOOL'S leading pack of budding sports stars have cleared the first hurdle to track and field glory by becoming the first in the resort to cross the winning line and achieve a coveted national coaching qualification.

Twenty seven pupils at Collegiate High School were presented with certificates at a special ceremony on June 30 at the school to recognise they are the first group of youngsters in the town to gain the junior Sports Leader Award.

The seaside town is pioneering the Sports Leader Award, which encourages youngsters to give up their free time and become sporting role models by building on their skills to gain a nationally recognised qualification.

Collegiate High School is piloting the innovative programme to create a new generation of sports volunteers which could be up and running as part of GCSE PE at all eight secondary schools in the resort by the start of the next academic year. Secondary schools can apply for grants from the council's leisure services department that cover the costs of running the project.

Blackpool's sports development officer Matthew Hilton said children admired the exploits of sports heroes like Alan Shearer and Michael Owen, but their most influential role models were their own peers and friends who excelled at sport.

He said: "The award encourages important leadership qualities and fosters a community spirit among pupils who can look up to and respect their own peers achievements. And these young volunteers are a credit to their school and the town as do so much to help others participate in sport."

He added that he was delighted that the scheme would be up and running in second schools in the town by the start of the next academic year.

The Sports Leader Award is the first step towards gaining coaching and voluntary qualifications.

There are four levels of the award beginning with the junior programme for those aged 15 plus and as well as the community, higher sports and basic expedition leader for those aged 18 and above.

It involves practical and theory work on first aid, child protection and sports organisation and is linked to the national curriculum.

Youngsters interested in finding out more about the Sports Leader Award can contact Blackpool's leisure services team on (01253) 478432.