East Hampshire's young people were encouraged to follow their dreams with an inspirational trip to the London's 2012 Olympic arena.

Twenty-nine local youngsters saw the partially constructed stadium that will host the games and met two athletes that hope to compete.

The trip in early August could become part of a nationwide scheme run for local councils.  East Hampshire District Council worked closely with Mango Events Management Ltd to develop this innovative concept and was the first to try it out.

Mrs Jennifer Gray, Portfolio Holder for Community and Active Lifestyles, said that seeing the construction and meeting top sports stars would give youngsters the motivation to achieve their own ambitions.

"The Olympic legacy does not start in 2012, it starts now," he said. "We can use the Olympics to inspire a generation of children today.

"We are one of the first councils to take part in these tours and we believe they are an innovative and novel way of inspiring children to achieve their dreams.

"They may not be great sportsmen but whether they are artists, performers or even photographers they can be inspired to reach their goals."

Two athletes gave the youngsters a talk on what it takes to fulfil your ambition. Sprinter Ryan Scott hopes to compete in 2012 as does Cecelia Turk, a Paralympic boccia champion, from Waterlooville.

The children were also treated to a demonstration of football skills and beat boxing, and some even took part. The feedback after the event showed the children felt empowered by the day and would be taking up some form of sport. One was delighted to hear that although it is not an Olympic sport; beat boxing could be a career.

Ryan Howlett, who went on the trip, said: "Having started my cycling season with a knee injury that has put me out of competition riding for a few months, I found that the presentations given by Ryan Scott and especially Cecelia Turk so inspiring. It has given me the encouragement I needed to keep me going with a sport I love."