Ref. 75648-33OLYMPIC gold medallist Sally Gunnell has been urging youngsters at a Swindon nursery to keep active.

The 39-year-old former 400-metre runner also backed the Evening Advertiser's Get Fit For 05 campaign.

Meeting staff and children at the Buffer Bear nursery at the Great Western Hospital, she watched the youngsters climbing, running around and letting off steam as part of a national initiative.

Called Leaps And Bounds, the scheme is a physical play programme for pre-school and early years children and is run by childcare organisation Tumble Tots.

The scheme, launched at the nursery last September, encourages youngsters to play, diverting their energy into physical activities, such as throwing, catching and balancing games.

Mum-of-two Sally, who is expecting her third child in just a fortnight, acts as an ambassador for Tumble Tots, visiting Leaps And Bounds schemes across the country.

She said: "I was fortunate, I grew up on a farm and I had the room to exercise. Nowadays there is less room and it's all too easy for children to flake out in front of the television or computer.

"Even now, it's amazing how often you find children who cannot catch a ball.

"It is great to see how involved the children are in the activities and having fun.

"And it's a great way for nurseries to have the kids doing exercises.

"This scheme is all about getting the message to parents how skills like throwing and catching and running around can help structure these children.

"We know if we can get the message to youngsters at an early age they will keep up their fitness later in life."

Tracy Field, the manager at the nursery, said: "We are really pleased that the Buffer Bear nursery is working together with Leaps And Bounds to be able to offer this additional physical programme to our children.

"The children thoroughly enjoy taking part in the weekly sessions and it has helped to develop their individual skills.

"Being able to link it to the nursery's curriculum means that we will develop healthy children and the sports stars of the future."

Sally, who took the gold medal in the women's 400 metre hurdles at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, said she was in full support of the Advertiser's Fit for 05 initiative, in which we are working with 12 readers to help improve their lifestyles and encouraging people to eat and exercise their way to a healthier life.

"It's a great idea to keep active by doing something you can enjoy by yourself or with a friend," she said.

"Set yourself a challenge or do something for charity with a goal at the end of it."

The Buffer Bear nursery was opened at Great Western Hospital in 2002 and is the main nursery for staff at the hospital.

Anthony Osborne