Caitlin McCauley, from Oakleigh Gardens School, Cleadon, and Anthony Carr, from Greenfields School, Hebburn, will be heading to Blackpool to compete in the Disability Sports Events National Junior Athletics Championships.

The 12-year-olds, who have learning difficulties, had previously taken part in regional heats to make it through to the national competition, which is for 12 to 20-year-olds.

Caitlin and Anthony will be among the youngest competing.

Hazel Simpson, a local athlete from Jarrow and Hebburn Athletics Club, who trains at Monkton Stadium in Jarrow, met with them to give them a few tips for the weekend.

She is the double bronze medallist for the 100m and 200m in the Beijing Paralympics, and won silver medals at the 2004 Athens Paralympics, and gold in the Sydney Paralympics in 2000.

Coun Tracey Dixon, the council's lead member for culture and wellbeing, said: " To get this far is a huge achievement for Caitlin and Anthony.

"I would like to congratulate them both on their efforts and wish them the best of luck for the weekend."