That's the way to do it! Former Olympic ace Fatima Whitbread demonstrates to young Sebastian Thurlow how to throw the javelin.

The 11-year-old pupil from Appleton School, Thundersley, was one of the lucky local youngsters to get some personal athletics coaching.

Fatima is running sessions with high jumper Debbie Marti and other stars in the hope of discovering untapped talent from south Essex schools to boost membership of clubs in the area.

The top athletes give first class advice on how to excel in track and field events like sprints, hurdles, triple jump, shot, javelin and high jump.

Fatima, who won Olympic medals and clinched the world title, is organising Star Search '99 which is sponsored by train company LTS Rail.

More power to your elbow - former javelin champion Fatima Whitbread passes on some tips to 11-year-old Sebastian Thurlow

Picture: ROBIN WOOSEY Senior schools make their mark

Billericay's Mayflower School and Rochford's King Edmund School have been awarded a prestigious Sportsmark award by Sport England in respect of the quality of their physical education and sports provision.

The awards are made to schools throughout England who show a commitment to developing sport to a high level in partnership with their community.

Mayflower head Linda Bamford is delighted with the award: "This is a tremendous and deserved achievement for Mayflower.

"We have always promoted excellence in our students and the Sportsmark rewards the hard work of the PE department and the students."

The department has several links with local sports clubs, but is interested in developing more. Contact Laura O'Shaughnessy, head of PE, if you are interested in making future links.

The school is now preparing for a trip to Indianapolis, USA, where the Mayflower's football and basketball teams will study with American pupils.

Kitted out - Mayflower sports teachers Dean Wells, Steve Emberton, Laura O'Shaughnessy and Helen Smith celebrate getting the Sportsmark award with pupils

Picture: NICK ANSELL

Champion - Rochford's King Edmund School has been awarded a Sportsmark award by Sport England.

Picture: ROBIN WOOSEY

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.