A national programme to help develop young people’s interest in sport has inspired two students from South Craven School at Cross Hills.

Brianna Haunch-Smith and Eleanor Cheshire took part in a day of activities arranged by Step Into Sport at Harrogate High School.

They learned about how games and sports can be adapted to ensure that students with special educational needs or physical impairments are not left on the sidelines.

They had a chance to meet paralympic swimmer Rachael Latham, who was one of the activity leaders.

A school spokesman explained: “Rachael shared her story of living with her disabilities and succeeding at sport.

“She suffered severe nerve damage down her left arm at birth – a condition called Erbs Palsy which Eleanor also has.

“Swimming was Rachael’s way of coping with her disability, and with training and dedication she was selected for the GB swimming team, competing in Beijing in 2008 and coming fifth in the butterfly.

“Her dream of competing in the London Paralympics was crushed when the ligaments in her arm were damaged and she had to withdraw from the team. However, she was offered the chance to be Channel 4’s presenter for the Paralympic Games.”

Eleanor has been selected to represent North Yorkshire on a leadership course, which will take place in Loughborough at Easter.