YOUNG people from the county are to become ambassadors to help promote sport, physical education and healthy living ahead of the London 2012 Games.

The 16 to 17 year olds, selected by their schools for showing either outstanding sporting or leadership talent, will act as role models to inspire other young people within their communities.

They will also help organise sports events and champion the Olympic and Paralympic ideals over the next 12 months before mentoring future young ambassadors.

To give them the skills necessary for them to fulfil their role, the youngsters will attend one of five Young Ambassador conferences taking place at famous sporting venues across England.

Olympic and Paralympic athletes, including double Olympic swimming medallist Nick Gillingham, will attend each conference to work with and inspire the young people and show them what it means to be a successful role model.

The nationwide programme, which is being managed by the Youth Sport Trust on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media & Sport and the Department for Education & Skills, has been backed by double Olympic champion Dame Kelly Holmes.

Dame Kelly, who will attend some of the conferences in her role as National School Sport Champion along with Olympics Minister Tessa Jowell, said: "I was inspired throughout my sporting career by some amazing people and as Young Ambassadors these youngsters from Kent have the opportunity and the talent to help us build on the huge buzz created by Britain’s successful 2012 bid.

"They will become role models to other young people and promote the benefits of sport and a healthy lifestyle – and also hopefully inspire a new breed of medal winners and sporting champions."