The national grass roots athletics scheme, Norwich Union star:track, is on its way to Hampshire.

Launched this week by Olympic golden girl Denise Lewis, it invites eight to 15-year-olds to get involved in track and field on a 'come and try' basis.

Experience is not important. The aim to have fun and get a grounding in the basic skills of running, jumping and throwing.

Said Lewis: "It's a fantastic way for children to get an introduction to athletics. I hope that seeing athletes like myself involved will encourage more young people to take up the sport."

Norwich Union star:track is coming to Portsmouth's Mountbatten Centre (August 13-17), the Isle of Wight's Fairway Athletics Track (August 22-24), Southampton Sports Centre (August 20-24) and Andover's Charlton Sports Centre (August 13-15).

For more details of a scheme near you ring the star:track helpline on 0800 100 900.