ATHLETICS star Jo Pavey was in Worcester today (August 4) encouraging children to get active.

The current European 10,000m champion visited a multi-sports camp at Gheluvelt Park, which was buzzing with the excitement of youngsters playing football, cricket and tennis.

And her appearance - which comes just weeks before she competes in the Worcester City 10K run on Sunday, September 20 - proved a real inspiration to many of the enthusiastic participants.

Jo said: "I've really enjoyed seeing the children's enthusiasm and watching them try out so many different sports.

"These sessions are fantastic at promoting a fit and active lifestyle, as well as showing participants how fun it can be to exercise.

"I think it is a brilliant scheme in a beautiful park."

Jay Satchwell, 13, a member of Worcester Tri Club, was certainly impressed with the activities on offer and the presence of a bona fide running legend.

He said: "The activities are really fun and it is cool Jo is here.

“She is an inspiration and it motivates us to try and be like her and achieve in sport.”

Supermum Jo was also in The Faithful City to promote the upcoming Worcester City 10K run, which includes a one mile course for under-11s and a 3km route for under-15s.

“I am looking forward to coming back to Worcester for the 10km run”, said Jo.

“I’ve heard so many positives about the event – a beautiful course, a great crowd, a real festival atmosphere – and with different race options there is something for the whole family.

“There is still time to enter so I’d encourage everyone to get involved.”

The activities at Gheluvelt Park were part of the Worcester City Council organised programme of free multi-sports activities taking place across numerous local venues this summer.

Matt Rogers, sports development officer at the local authority, said: “Rather than being stuck inside all the time watching TV or playing computer games, these activities keep children fit and engage them in sport.

“To have an elite athlete like Jo here is definitely an added inspiration for the children.”

Mayor of Worcester councillor Roger Knight, who was present at the event, added: “This is a great project.

“Free sessions will be taking place in 14 venues across five weeks and in the first two days 260 children turned up to take part.

“The team have done a superb job at encouraging youngsters to get away from the screens and instead actively engaged in sport, which is of course healthy for them.”

To sign up to the Worcester City 10K visit worcestercity10k.com or to find out more about the multi-sports activities visit worcester.gov.uk/holidayactivities