EDDIE the Eagle soared into Swindon as the newest patron of SMASH.

The inspirational ski jumper joined staff and young people from youth mentoring charity SMASH at the Link Centre to celebrate his new involvement.

Underdog Michael ‘Eddie’ Edwards captured the hearts and imagination of the world when he became the first Great Briton to compete in the Olympic Ski jump at the 1988 winter games in Calgary.

Despite finishing last in the 70m and 90m events he became a motivational figurehead as an amateur athlete who wanted to become the best in the world, and never gave up.

Eddie, who regularly visits the town’s Link Centre, joined the charity after being approached during his regular dance class at the Grange Leisure Centre.

“I was delighted to be asked by SMASH, helping young people get that support is really important to me, I want to show them that anything is possible,” Eddie, 52, said.

As part of the celebration, Eddie met with young people that SMASH works with and said he hopes to help mentor them in the future.

“I think SMASH do a fantastic job in mentoring young people and I hope that my determination can rub off on the children, they’re a great bunch and I’ve really enjoyed meeting them today and hope to give some mentoring to them in the near future. ”

Josh Keirle, who lives in Park North, received mentoring from the charity. He said it made a huge difference to his life.

“It was an unreal and surreal experience meeting Eddie today,” the 17-year-old said.

“It has made such a difference having the support of SMASH. It has made me a calmer and much more chilled out person. I would call them my friends but really they are my family.”

Rob Chappell, project manager at SMASH, said the charity was delighted to have Eddie’s support.

“He’s a huge figure to have on board and he represents what we are all about, determination, tenacity, never giving up and fighting for what you want, it’s an honour to have him,” he said.

This year a semi-autobiographical film charting Eddie’s rise to superstardom and directed by Hollywood heavyweight Hugh Jackman was released to critical acclaim.

And town X-Men fans can’t rule out a visit from the A-lister to Swindon.

“I’ve mentioned it to Hugh and he’s very keen on coming down for dance lessons so you never know,” said Eddie.

SMASH matches mentors with young people based on common interests and are currently looking for volunteers.

To find out more about becoming a SMASH mentor visit www.smashyouthproject.co.uk, email admin@smashyouthproject.co.uk or call 01793 729748.