PUPILS at a Bolton secondary school are attracting international interest now they are acting as sports coaches for youngsters at primary schools.

Since September, Year 10 pupils at Thornleigh Salesian Sports College have been teaching the younger children throwing and catching skills and instructing them in the rules of games.

Now members of the Norwegian Olympic Committee, together with representatives from the British Sports Trust, have visited Bolton to see the programme in action.

The primary schools involved are Thornleigh's feeder schools, such as Holy Infants in Astley Bridge and coaching is being carried out under the Junior School Leadership Awards scheme.

Tor Anders Hanssen, a national officer with the Norwegian Olympic Committee, said: "I think the scheme is important because it gives youngsters and teenagers a chance to develop as individuals.

"The leadership course places a lot of emphasis on being articulate and prepared.

"We will return to Norway with a few more ideas."

The aim of the Junior School Leadership programme is to help students build up an appreciation of what is required to lead a good sports session.

Helen Grundy, Director of Sport at Thornleigh, said: "The scheme really has improved the children's self confidence and self esteem."

Pupils have to develop organisational and communication skills to lead activities and they have to assume the role of the umpire and ensure there is fair play. The scheme also helps them to develop an awareness of health and fitness.

The Norwegian Olympic Committee also saw the programme in action at St Osmund's School and St Andrew's School, both in Breightmet, and St Brendan's in Harwood, as part of their tour around the country to see how sport is being developed.