Victoria Pendleton urges youngsters to take up sport to improve job prospects

Retired professional cyclist Victoria Pendleton has called on youngsters to get involved in sport in order to improve their chances of getting a job in the future.

The three-time Olympic medallist gave her views on Tuesday while addressing the Tory conference before introducing education secretary Nicky Morgan.

"It builds character, confidence and resilience - things that don't necessarily show up in test results but that employers are always looking for," said Pendleton.

"Whatever you want to do, wherever you are, whoever you are, you can always get involved and that's all you need to do to reap the extensive benefits - the physical, mental, social, intellectual benefits."

Pendleton also claimed that it is vital for all children to have access to PE lessons at school.