OLYMPIC medallist Dame Kelly Holmes has said she believes it is important to get children interested in sport from an early age.

The athlete, who won two gold medals in the 800m and 1500m events at the Olympic Games in Athens in 2004, is currently visiting the Isle of Man.

She has been brought over by SMP Partners on behalf of The Children's Centre.

Today Kelly has spoken to staff at SMP, held a training session at the NSC for children in the Isle of Man Youth Team and visited children at The Children's Centre.

Speaking to isleofman.com reporter Tessa Hawley, Kelly said it was important to get children interested in sport from an early age.

She said: "I actually think that's where you capture young people. It's vital that you bring sport, activity and fitness into their lives then so that they take all of the skills and abilities from what sport brings. It teaches confidence, teamwork, learning to work with people, fitness levels of course and having challenges - when you have to fight to get something - which is true of life.

"I suppose because I achieved quite highly from a young age and I've had a long journey which has been very successful I think I can pass on quite a lot to young people. I like to work with young people to get the best out of them.

"For young people over here once you find a sport you enjoy, you've got to put in the training and hard work. Even if you've got natural ability that only lasts so far and then it gets down to the hard work. And having absolute belief that you can get there is key."

Tonight Kelly will be the guest of honour at a fundraising dinner held at the Mount Murray Hotel and Country Club.

For more from Kelly Holmes check back to www.isleofman.com tomorrow.