PUPILS at Defford-cum-Besford CE First School have been put through their paces by a former Olympic canoeist thanks to the Sports Funding Grant the school has received.

Andy Train, who is from the Vale, won seven medals at the ICF Canoe Sprint World Championships and competed in five summer Olympics.

He has been teaching a series of games lessons over a period of six weeks at the school and then has taken an after school circuit training club for Years 2, 3 and 4 pupils.

Andrea Bailey, headteacher, said: "These sessions have been a really exciting opportunity for the children to work with someone who has a lifelong love of sport and fitness, who has performed at the highest level and who has helped to instil a love of fitness and a healthy lifestyle."