Double-Olympic Gold medallist Dame Kelly Holmes has teamed up with Southeastern to help youngsters in Kent gain vital skills which will improve their chance of getting a job.

The ‘Get On Track’ programme, set up by the Dame Kelly Holmes Legacy Trust, helps disadvantaged young people, aged 16 to 25 gain the self-discipline, motivation and confidence that they need to improve their job prospects.

The scheme pairs youngsters with athletes and staff at local organisations who can act as mentors to help them succeed. The will be involved in community projects and work experience that will build their skills.

Southeastern joined the programme earlier this year and has already provided a group of 20 young people from Thanet with work placements.

The youngsters were involved in a range of jobs, including shadowing frontline station staff, visiting the engineering depot at Ramsgate to learn more about train maintenance and putting their green fingers to good use by helping to plant flowers to brighten up the company's stations.

“When we were approached by the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust to get involved in the ‘Get on Track’ programme we didn’t hesitate for a second" Cheryl Hughes

Cheryl Hughes, service quality manager at Southeastern, said: “When we were approached by the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust to get involved in the ‘Get on Track’ programme we didn’t hesitate for a second.

"It’s a fantastic scheme that provides great opportunities for young people in our local area to learn new skills and make a contribution to the community at the same time.

“We’re delighted to be able to support the scheme and our staff have revelled in the opportunity to share their knowledge with the group. It’s really rewarding to see them develop over the course of their time with us.”