OLYMPIC medallist Beth Tweddle met awestruck youngsters yesterday as she launched a competition to have messages of support woven into jackets of Team GB.

To mark 500 days until the Rio 2016 Olympic Games kick off, children from Altham St James’ School were invited to the Accrington offices of Simon Jersey, the official kit supplier to Team GB.

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Three-time Olympian Beth was on hand to launch a competition called #myOlympicwish, which gives children the chance to have their messages of support woven into the lining of the suits.

Children from Altham St James’ School were the first to enter the competition, which is expected to see more than 25,000 schools take part.

Simon Jersey is designing the sportswear for athletes to wear to all formal events in Rio and the UK, including the Team GB Reception which will be hosted in Rio in advance of the Opening Ceremony.

Beth will use her experience of preparing for an Olympic Games to help judge the entries alongside Simon Jersey and Team GB officials.

She said: “As an athlete, particularly at an away games – it gives you a huge boost to know the nation is behind you and having the messages inside the suits will make sure athletes feel the support.

“I’m looking forward to seeing what people come up.”

The winners will receive a framed sample of the finished fabric, plus the chance to meet athletes wearing the finished suits next year.

James Saunders, Simon Jersey managing director, said: “We really wanted young people to be able to contribute to the design of the suits and to let the athletes know they’re supporting them .”

#myOlympicwish is open to young people aged 16 or under, with permission from a parent or guardian. To enter the competition applicants should send their message of support in 20 words or less to simonjersey.com/myolympicwish by May 1.