PUPILS were put through their paces by an Olympic hopeful during a special visit.

British athlete Rion Pierre dropped into St Peter’s Primary School in Minniecroft Road, Burnham on Thursday last week.

The sprinter led youngsters through a rigorous exercise programme and challenged them to races.

The 28-year-old, who is hoping to be part of the Great Britain Olympic squad for this summer’s Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, showed pupils how to do star jumps, squats, press ups and ski jumps in the fun-filled day.

Mr Pierre, who started as a youth footballer at Chelsea before injury led to his retirement and a switch to athletics, also took a whole school assembly in which he spoke about his career, training and diet, and explained how he had overcome a number of challenges to become an elite athlete.

Headteacher Lesley Blount said: “The children really got engaged with the afternoon’s circuit activities and listened to the inspiring story that Rion told in assembly.

“They learned how it takes hard work and perseverance to reach the top, and they look forward to being able to cheer Rion on to success in this summer’s Olympics.”