An online service designed to bring elite competitors together with schools, colleges and business launched in St Albans yesterday.

The British Athletes Commission launched "Athletes Direct", to help schools across the UK arrange visits from top sports people.

As part of the launch British sprinter, Jodie Williams, a Commonwealth Games silver and bronze medalist Glasgow 2014, delivered two masterclass sessions in sprinting with primary school pupils at Alban City School.

Launching the service, Ian Braid, CEO of the British Athletes Commission said: "We need more young people getting active.

"We have to inspire and engage our children to get them active. We have a wonderful legacy of sporting success in Britain and we need to make it as quick, easy and low cost for schools to get inspiring athletes into their classrooms, playgrounds and pitches."

St Albans & Harpenden Review:

Sprinter Jodie Williams with a pupul from Alban City School

Janet Goddard, Alban City School head teacher added: "The children here at Alban City School love to be active and thoroughly enjoy their PE lessons and Jodie's visit today is both motivating and inspiring for them.

"We hope that we can encourage a generation of pupils to actively participate in a wide range of sporting activities."

Speaking after the event Jodie Williams said: "I thoroughly enjoy going into schools, it is a great opportunity for athletes to inspire the next generation and help to get more kids into sports.

"It’s always lovely to see the children so engaged in what you are saying and genuinely enjoying the activities you get them doing, as, at the end of the day that is what sport is all about, having fun and enjoying yourself."

For more information, visit: www.athletesdirect.org