On a roll with world champion Jenna

World champion inline skater Jenna Downing introduced her rollerblading sport to youngsters at Saddleworth School.

The 10-times British champion skater encouraged Year 8 and 10 pupils to get their skates on and join her in her sport.

As well as offering 18 students hands-on experience Jenna, who lives and trains in Liverpool, also gave an inspirational assembly.

The visit was organised as part of the school’s links with Sky Sports Living for Sport — a programme which introduces sport to schools.

The secondary school initiative uses sports stars and sports skills to boost pupils’ confidence, change behaviour, increase attainment and improve life skills.

Jenna has competed in rollerskating events since she was eight and became the youngest ever female to turn pro aged 12.

She said: “I am really looking forward to visiting as many schools as possible and sharing my personal stories with young people in the hope that I can make a difference to their lives.”

As part of the Sky Sports project the school recently had a visit from England hockey player Charlotte Hartley who also shared her sport with pupils.

School mentor Andrew Pheby said of Jenna’s visit: “It was brilliant and a fantastic experience for the children to try a different sport they might not have known about.”