Secondary school pupils attended an event held in a bid to encourage the next generation to consider a career in sport this week.

Pupils from Davenant Foundation School in Chester Road, Loughton, attended the event, which was held by BT sport broadcaster Clare Balding and Inspiring Women founder Miriam González Durántez, alongside 300 other girls on Wednesday morning.

The London Aquatics Centre in Stratford, which had staff from sports governing bodies, professional athletes and sports media attend, saw 75 women working in the sports sector talk with girls about forging a career in sport.

Olympic bronze medal winning diver, Tom Daley, also spoke at the event.

Clare Balding said: "I have been lucky enough to work in sports broadcasting and journalism for over 20 years.

"I love my job and am determined to do as much as I can to help girls and young women be aware of the opportunities available in sport for a fulfilling and enjoyable career.  

"There are so many options across the board - whether it be in event management, coaching, marketing, sports science, journalism or governance and I know that when you are in your teens deciding which path to take, it can make all the difference to have access to worlds you may not have considered.

"I know that this exciting event at the Aquatics Centre will help inspire girls to pursue a career in sport and I'm delighted to be a part of it."