KEEN sprinters were given a run out during a showcase of speed in Grahame Park last week.

Olympic gold medallists Linford Christie and Darren Campbell brought their Street Athletics competition to the Concourse on Thursday, with more than 150 young people taking part in the races.

It was the second year the event was held in the area, and Mr Christie said it was as much about bringing the community together to enjoy sport as it was uncovering budding talent.

“We always try to introduce them to sport and get them engaged,” said the Olympic, World, European, and Commonwealth champion.

“On estates like this there is not a lot going on so we come here and create an enjoyable atmosphere.

“It's carnival-like and maybe one or two of these children will come out with a talent or kick off their interest in sport.”

Boys and girls under the age of 20 took part in the 60m sprint, with a series of heats for each age range being held before the day's finals, and Mr Christie said he wanted to ensure young people were given a sporting chance.

“What we've done is put our money where out mouth is,” he said.

“Someone helped Darren and I, so we want to help the kids.

“We've been on estates where children are alienated because they are not in this gang or that gang, and we bring everyone together. It creates friendship, and if nothing else we need neighbours to be neighbourly.”

Sports teams from Barnet went along to the event to try to talent spot while young music and dance acts from the area took to a purpose-built stage to generate a party atmosphere.

Layla Hall, from the sports development unit at Barnet Council, who worked with the Grahame Park community group to organise the day, said free events like Street Athletics are “crucial” in giving young people an appetite for sport.

She said: “Sport and fitness activities offer so many opportunities for young people.

“They want to participate in the sports and athletics clubs can help make sure they have somewhere to go.

“The response we get to this event is really positive and it is definitely expanding each year.”

Filming for a new 12-part Channel 4 programme called The McCain Track and Field Show was also taking place at the event, and former trialists praised the impact of the scheme.

Ambassador for Street Athletics, long jumper Paul Oluyemi, 19, said: “I started off like this four years ago.

“It is a great chance to help young kids. I was a bit of a bad boy at school, but I wanted to run all my life, I just never had the chance until this project came along.”

Those with the fastest times from the day are now in with a chance of competing in the Grand Final in Manchester if they get through the London finals later this year.

For more on Street Athletics visit www.streetathletics.co.uk.