PARALYMPIAN javelin thrower Nathan Stephens visited a Vale school to celebrate health and fitness with the pupils.

Youngsters at Cropthorne with Charlton First School finished off a week of activities with the visit from one of the countries top athletes.

The gold medal winner spoke to all the children about the tragedy of losing both his legs after he was run over by a train and how he went on to fulfil personal ambitions and achievements.

And he went on to show them a selection of medals including his gold world medals and reflected on the hard work and dedication involved in winning these events.

Each class then had a training session on javelin throwing with Nathan demonstrating and coaching.

Sharon Hunt, year three teacher, said: "The children had opportunities to ask him questions and were inspired by his positive outlook on life, leaving them extremely reflective on how to make the most of opportunities that they may be lucky enough to have.

"They finished the day wanting to find out more about an inspirational young man and they commented on the fact that what he spoke to them about reinforced our school values of trying your hardest and never giving up."