Emmerdale actress Kitty McGeever is among a host of celebrities helping to launch a Government-backed campaign to promote positive role models for people with disabilities.

Kitty, from Bradford, who plays Lizzie Lakely in the Yorkshire-based soap, was the first blind actress to be cast in a British soap opera.

Kitty is supporting the campaign by the young people from Whizz-Kidz – and other disability groups – who have chosen and filmed disabled role models who inspire their generation and are calling for others to participate in the campaign.

Fifty YouTube videos have been produced with a focus on overcoming barriers.

Latest statistics show 81 per cent of people thought the Paralympics had a positive impact on the way disabled people are perceived.

Research also shows role models are one of the main ways of influencing perceptions towards disabled people.

Kitty said: “I had been an actress for many years before becoming blind, and it was some time before I could get back into work.

“I did that with the support of the team at Emmerdale and through the government employment scheme – Access to Work.

“Having a disability shouldn’t mean the end of doing the job you love. Providing the right support means people’s talents won’t go to waste, and the Role Models campaign is a great way to show young people what is possible.”

Esther McVey, Minister for Disabled People, said: “The Paralympics truly captivated the hearts of the nation and have undoubtedly helped shift attitudes and perceptions towards disability.

“And now young disabled people tell me they want to see more inspiring role models to show where disabled people have achieved their ambitions despite the odds being stacked against them.”

Whizz-Kidz Ambassador and chair of its Kidz Board, George Fielding, said: “Whizz-Kidz is excited to be part of a dynamic and passionate group of people, working together to have a positive and long-lasting impact on the lives of young disabled people.

“The project is about showing what disabled people can do – not what they can’t – which is very much Whizz-Kidz’s ambition too.

“It’s clear we are not short of role models, but we’d love to hear from even more – hopefully the campaign can serve as a platform to inspire others.”

For more information, visit whizz-kidz.org.uk.