BRITAIN'S most decorated gymnast Beth Tweddle was in Glasgow to launch a new education initiative aimed at getting more young people involved in the sport.

Beth, an ambassador for the 2015 World Gymnastics Championships being held at the SSE Hydro this autumn, was joined by Scottish Commonwealth Games silver medallist Adam Cox to unveil the school resource packs which can be used by teachers across the UK.

Developed by Glasgow Life and Glasgow City Council Education Services, the programme is aimed at primary and secondary school pupils.

It is hoped it will help encourage more youngsters to take up gymnastics as part of a healthy lifestyle.

The primary school resource, linked to the Curriculum for Excellence, uses gymnastics as a focus for tackling topics including literacy, maths and numeracy, health and wellbeing, expressive arts and social subjects.

The secondary school pack, meanwhile, encourages pupils to undertake a range of related research projects covering the history of the World Championships and areas such as equipment, rules, event management and the wider impact on tourism.

Both British Gymnastics and Scottish Gymnastics have backed the initiative.

Beth, a three-time world champion and Olympic bronze medallist, retired from gymnastics in 2013.

She spoke of her hope of seeing more young people become involved in the sport that has been her life-long passion.

"It is a great sport with so many skills that are the foundation of other sports and activities," said Beth. "I believe all children should have the opportunity to take part in it at school.

"These new schools resource packs are a great way to provide support for teachers and give them some exciting ways to work with pupils to explore the many aspects of the sport and the World Championships, not only during PE lessons, but right across the curriculum."

Adam, who retired from gymnastics following Glasgow 2014 after captaining Scotland to team silver, is a qualified teacher who has worked in both primary and secondary schools.

"As a former gymnast I have loved sharing my experiences with the pupils at the schools I have taught at and encouraging them to try out the sport for themselves," he said.

"This pack enables all teachers, including non-PE specialists, to use gymnastics as an exciting topic across a range of curriculum areas."

Councillor Gordon Matheson, leader of Glasgow City Council, said: "The World Championships will be one the biggest sporting events held in the UK this year and it is fitting that it will be part of the curriculum for pupils from Glasgow and across the country."

The 2015 World Gymnastics Championships will take place at the SSE Hydro in Glasgow from October 23 until November 1. For tickets, visit 2015worldgymnastics.com