ROBERT Buckland, the MP for South Swindon, was in London with an Olympic swimming star this week to find out about a project aimed at helping disabled youngsters take part in PE lessons.

Alongside gold medal winner Ellie Simmonds, the MP helped to launch Active Kids For All, a training programme to help teachers to develop the skills and confidence to include disabled children in PE and school sport.

Ellie, who competed in the paralympics in Beijing and London, is an ambassador for the scheme which is now in its tenth year.

Mr Buckland will encourage Swindon schools to sign up to the scheme.

He said: “I was delighted to meet Ellie Simmonds, who is a tireless ambassador for disability sport.

“I know that some great work already goes on in Swindon to include children, regardless of disability, in PE. “This project offers useful training for PE teachers in mainstream schools that will help to ensure more children with disabilities will be able to lead active lives.”

The scheme is funded by supermarket chain Sainsburys.

Last week it restarted a scheme to enable customers to collect vouchers to help schools, groups and clubs receive equipment.

Since last year new cookery and nutrition toolkits have been added to the range of sports equipment which is on offer as part of the voucher exchange.

It is hoped they will help schools prepare for a change in legislation coming into force in September which will see pupils aged seven to 14 receive cookery lessons.

Mr Buckland said: “I know what an important part many of my constituents have played in collecting Active Kids vouchers, which is helping young children understand cooking and healthy eating from a young age.

“With the Active Kids For All teaching programme it’s great to see how well the scheme is developing and the important part it plays in today’s educational society. “I hope schools, groups and clubs across Swindon have fun collecting over the next few months and I hope even more will join this great scheme.”