ENABLING youngsters to get involved in the Rio 2016 Olympic Games is an amazing gift from one East Lancashire company.

Marking 500 days until the start of the games Accrington-based kit supplier Simon Jersey, invited three-time Olympian Beth Tweddle to meet local youngsters.

Beth has joined the uniform manufacturer to launch a competition called #myOlympicwish, which gives children the chance to have their messages of support woven into the lining of the suits.

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

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.

And what an amazing opportunity this is.

As well as inspiring youngsters to get healthy and take part in sport, Simon Jersey is also helping to boost Team GB by turning the youngsters’ sentiments into messages to be sewn into the Team GB kit.

This is a great way of putting East Lancashire on the map for something positive.

Hats off to Simon Jersey and lets hope as many youngsters as possible get involved.