Secondary students got some expert tips on commentating from an Olympic hopeful when the BBC Radio 5 live bus parked up in their playground.

Newham Recorder: Ashleigh Jones, 14, has a go at commentating.Ashleigh Jones, 14, has a go at commentating. (Image: Archant)

British long jumper JJ Jegede was at Kingsford Community School to help kick off the Radio 5’s Young Commentator of the Year competition.

Pupils were offered masterclasses and workshops in the art of commentary from Jegede and the 5 Live team on Monday as well as being encouraged to enter the competition that aims to find the top young commentator in the country.

Student Ashleigh Jones, 14, said: “I really enjoyed doing the actual commentating in the BBC 5 Live bus and it was very interesting working with real BBC radio staff.”

She added: “It was really inspirational and interesting to hear about what JJ was like when he was at school.

“It made me think about what I want to do in the future and how I can achieve it.”

Before the commentating began, the students were given an inspiring talk from Jegede at a special assembly and a trial run in front of their peers.

Jegede, who hopes to be selected for the Rio 2016 Olympics and trains with the Newham and Essex Beagles, said the competition was “great” and a way of inspiring students about the range of possible careers available to them.

He said: “It makes me realise I would like to be a commentator too.”

Joan Deslandes, Headteacher of Kingsford Community School, said that visit was a great opportunity for her pupils.

She said: “Having the 5 live bus with us for the day gives the pupils of Kingsford a chance get some tips from the top and receive some invaluable career advice from people who work on a national radio station.”

The Young Commentator of the Year competition is open to boys and girls aged 11 to 15.

Entrants should visit click here where they can select one of five clips featuring sporting legends from the worlds of football, tennis, rugby, athletics and women’s football.

They must then record themselves commentating and upload their video.

A panel of experts will shortlist the final 20 who will face a judging panel made up of commentators and pundits.

The winner will have the chance to to spend a day commentating with 5 Live at a sporting event, and get a behind-the-cenes tour of BBC Sport.