Sports minister Tony Banks has given the seal of approval to the high sporting standards being achieved in Castle Point. During a visit to the borough, he also outlined his vision for continued sporting success at grass roots level.

GREG DEMETRIOU reports.

Tony Banks is, first and foremost, a sports fan.

His enthusiasm was there for all to see during his whistle-stop tour of Castle Point - and he was clearly impressed by the sporting excellence he encountered.

The MP for West Ham marvelled at the atmosphere of the Deanes School sports college and delighted in the achievements of Castle Point's disabled sports club.

He said: "When you look at young people, sport is the strongest motivational force in their life. It teaches them self respect. It is also, of course, the way that we turn our kids into healthy and fit members of the community."

He had particular praise for the likes of George Hogbin and Vic Russell - leading lights in the Castle Point Sports Council - who have been working hard to boost the profile of sport in the borough.

Mr Banks joined members of the disabled sports club at Waterside Farm on Canvey and was told how it had been continually successful in many fields.

It was apparent that hearing of such triumphs was as welcome to him as experiencing at first hand the biggest victories against international opposition.

"Sport really does move the whole nation. I get the feeling that when we are doing well at sport, there is a boost across the whole country. We need more of that."

He said the way forward was to match the initiatives seen abroad - such as Australia's sporting academies. It was that which enthralled him about the Deanes Sports College.

"If we want to succeed at international level, we have to be professional in our approach," he said.

"If we want success then we have got to be prepared to pay for it. Success starts here in this sports college. This is where the future champions will come from."

Eager to see foundations laid for the future in all disciplines, he pointed to a need to see sustained achievement and a steady stream of world-class sportsmen and women.

"It is not just a question of money. For example, the Lawn Tennis Association is putting £30m a year into finding tennis stars of the future but it takes a while for things to happen," the ardent Chelsea fan said.

"It cannot be overnight. You have to plan ahead and you need a structure in place and that is why we need places like Deanes."

Yet of course, it is how you play the game rather than just the winning or losing - and Mr Banks stressed that everyone, whatever their ability, should have a pursuit.

"I want to see more money going into sport," he said. "It is an investment in the health and vitality of our nation.

"It is not just about fun, there are enormous returns to be had in terms of fitness and health as well as psychological value."

After talking with Mr Banks, you sense that these days it is not just the traditional message of promoting sport for all, it is a case of all for sport.

Tony Banks - the minister has given sport in Castle Point the thumbs-up

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