Colin Jackson backs reading project

Librarians in Powys welcomed a Welsh sporting legend to promote reading.

Colin Jackson visited Newtown library yesterday to encourage people to make full use of their local service.

He was there as part of the Welsh Assembly Government's happy days project, which is aimed at getting people to take more interest in libraries.

Mr Jackson said he used his library to research sporting heroes and countries he was visiting during his athletics career – including South Korea where he won a silver medal in the 1988 Olympics – and now in his post-running media career.

He added: "I love my local library and books in general, and I always make sure that I do my research before embarking on a new trip.

"For me it is all about learning new skills, so anything I can pick up is brilliant and I want everyone to know they can find out anything they want at their library."

More than 100 people packed out the library to take part in a question and answer session with the former world record holder, including Coleg Powys students, school children and members of the public.