Video: Olympic Gold medallist Denise Lewis talks to the Journal at the Summer Cup

Denise Lewis OBE, who won gold in the heptathlon at the Sydney Olympics in 2000, said sport is vital in schools when she visited The Meres to see the Summer Cup.

Denise watched about 1,500 children from academies across the region take part in the sports day. It is organised by the David Ross Education Trust and included pupils from Charles Read Academy in Corby Glen and Ingoldsby Academy.

Speaking to the Journal, Denise said: “The children are loving it here. I think sport is an essential component of your well-being and that sport in the national curriculum should not be overshadowed. I am more than happy to support this event because I believe everyone should have the opportunity to be involved in sport. The children have worked very hard to get here.”

TV sports presenter Gabby Logan and her husband Kenny Logan, the former Scotland international rugby player, were also at the Meres for the event.