THE respectable number of medals we have collected in the Olympics so far could be a sign that at last Britain is getting better at spotting and nurturing sporting talent.

For too long we have lagged behind our competitors in getting youngsters hooked on taking part in sporting activities.

Lack of cash in our schools has not helped and too often sport has suffered cuts simply because the demands of the National Curriculum forced those running our schools to protect other subjects first.

At the same time the desire of many pupils to sit playing computer games instead of getting exercise has helped fuel a big increase in childhood obesity.

Lancashire County Council's PE adviser Glen Beaumont must be heeded today when he says we have to be wary of PE "becoming a service industry for the rest of the curriculum."

While sport has an important role in developing initiative, teamwork and other vital skills there is, as he says, too little emphasis on building up technical excellence with professional guidance.

Once youngsters have shown aptitude for particular sports we must ensure that they are able to get the coaching they need to increase their skills because that's how champions are made.