The award, announced at London's City Hall, will enable the scheme - which uses sport and physical activity to engage with young people - to cover the whole country over the next four years.

The City Hall event, which was broadcast live by BBC London, saw Julie Whelan, chief executive of the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust, launch the partnership alongside Sport England's chief executive, Jennie Price.

"It's overwhelming to have Sport England support my charity like this," said Dame Kelly. 

"We have come so far since we started in 2008, and this funding will make such a difference to the lives of so many young people over the next four years."

Dame Kelly Holmes (centre) at the City Hall launch, with Sport England's Jennie Price (second left)

Hugh Robertson, the Minister for Sport, commented: "Sport can make a great contribution to young people's lives - improving their health, well-being and confidence.

"The expansion of Dame Kelly Holmes' 'Get on Track' will benefit young people up and down the country and give them a sense of direction and purpose."

Get on Track promotes sport and physical activity among 16-25 year-olds alongside three months of intensive mentoring from world class athletes.

With support from their mentors, the young people plan, develop and deliver volunteering projects in their local community.

Price added: "Through our support for Get on Track, we want to help young people to take charge of their lives and turn things around for the better."

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