A PAIR of Darwen youngsters will be mentored by a former British skateboarding champion as part of a scheme run by Olympic gold medallist Dame Kelly Holmes.

Fifteen-year-old Darwen Vale High School students Macauley Scott and Joseph Slater are two of just 20 people across the UK who will take part in the Dame Kelly Holmes Legacy Trust’s Unlocking Potential programme.

The aim of the project is to get young people, aged 14 to 19, working alongside top athletes to give them the confidence to do something new and different to help in the community.

Macauley and Joseph will work with Neil Danns, a former British and European skateboarding champion, and father of former Blackburn Rovers midfielder, Neil Danns Jnr.The boys, with guidance from Mr Danns who will share his experiences, will come up with a project that can be anything from revamping a community facility to coaching sports in schools.

Science teacher Dr Catherine Barker, who is leading the project for Darwen Vale, said: “The boys have had a hard background and were nominated by members of staff at the school.

“The project is all about bringing them out and building up their personal skills.

“Macauley is the more sporty of the two, he likes basketball. Joseph is more into drama.

“This is an amazing opportunity for them both and I am delighted that they both gained a place on this exciting mentoring programme.

“I can’t wait to see their skills and aspirations grow and develop throughout this project.”

Dame Kelly Holmes said: “Unlocking Potential is a personal development programme that will give Macauley and Joseph a fantastic opportunity to make a really positive impact on their local community.

“In a project delivered by world-class sports stars, Macauley and Joseph have earned the chance to learn from winners in sport, helping them to be the best they can be.”

Mr Danns will mentor four youngsters, including Macauley and Joseph. Other mentors include former swimmer Adam Whitehead, hockey player Darren Cheesman and former rugby league star Paul Broadbent.