Rising stars sample life in the fast lane

The youngsters also got to meet some of the sport's biggest names, including Olympic long jump champion Greg Rutherford, after they competed in a series of relay races ahead of the main event at Alexander Stadium in Birmingham.

A team of 24 athletes from the Aldersley Stadium club competed at under-13, under-15 and under-17 level, with the races shown on the stadium's big screen.

"It was a fantastic day," said club committee member Beth Keska. "They were made to feel like little professionals.

"From the moment we got there they were taken to the warm up area.

"Before the races, they were led on to the track by England Athletics officials and the event itself was filmed by the BBC's cameras, so they were able to watch themselves on the big screen.

"It was an unforgettable day."

The Sainsbury's Grand Prix is part of the IAAF's prestigious Diamond League series, in which the sport's biggest stars compete.

The relay event was organised by Club Connect, a British Athletics initiative intended to recognise clubs for the work they do.

While Wolverhampton and Bilston's athletes – many of whom specialise in middle distance running rather than sprints – were unable to claim a victory which would have netted a £250 cash prize, Keska believes the experience they gained was invaluable."For nearly all of them it was the first time they have been able to get close to the sport at the top level," she said.

"When the relays were over they were taken to the main stand and watched the meeting.

"Afterwards they got to meet some of the athletes including Greg Rutherford, who was great with them.

"They all came back with plenty of autographs and it gave them a taste of what professional sport is like."

Wolverhampton and Bilston Athletics Club have close to 1,000 members. For more information on the club, visit their website wolvesandbilstonac.co.uk