SIX local sporting celebrities have been invited by St Helens Council to see for themselves 'the flourishing schools sports scene in the Borough'.

Extending an open invitation, Councillor Andy Bowden, Portfolio Member for Education and Lifelong Learning, says: "We believe if they returned to St Helens to see the flourishing and healthy state of sport within our schools they would then see it all in its true perspective."

Councillor Bowden highlighted some of the tremendous sporting developments and growth in local schools:

2,178 teachers have attended courses to improve their expertise of physical education since 1998

£3-million spent on enhancing sports facilities in schools

More than 30% of high schools have achieved a Sports Mark award - which nationally recognises the high standard of physical education

14 Gold Cards already issued. These are given to people from St Helens who are members of National Squads allowing them free access to leisure facilities (three of these went to the Sydney Olympics). The borough has also produced a number of current professional sports stars, including Super League players.

95% of schools took part in sporting competitions last year.

500 youngsters from St Helens took part in the Merseyside Youth Games, having been selected from a further 3,000 who took part in local trials

All St Helens Primary Schools are involved in the Sport England /Youth Sport Trust Physical Education Programme (TOP Sport and TOP Play). Each school receives training for all their teachers and specialist sports equipment to the value of £1,200.

The six celebrities - former Leicester City striker and a former St Helens Labour councillor Eric Littler from Billinge, (who sent the letter) Danny Wilson (manager of Bristol City), Gerry Houlton (ex-Lancashire County cricketer), John Todder Dickinson (ex-Saints), Tommy Finn (ex-Saints) and Colin Greenall (Wigan Athletic's coach) - criticised the lack of competition and interest at classroom level in a letter to the Star and the council's Director of Education and Leisure Services.

Councillor Bowden responded to the critics: "This shows that far from an alleged dereliction of duty, the Council is doing everything to nurture and encourage our children in sport. I would personally like to invite the celebrities to return to St Helens to view our success."