TWO international athletes told youngsters how determination and hard work can help them reach their goals.

Rio Olympic silver medallist Jessica Eddie and world champion Nathaniel Reilly O’Donnell spoke with students at Parkside Academy, Willington, County Durham, today.

The duo held a workshop with the school’s gifted and talented students.

They spoke about how hard work, determination and self belief enable them to be the best they can be and how the pupils can apply the same attitude to their own talents to meet their aspirations.

Teacher Aileen Baker, the school’s gifted and talented coordinator, said: “Jessica and Noddy were brilliant with our pupils, explaining in depth to them how they started rowing, Jessica’s experiences in Beijing and London and how she didn’t give up, and then the reward of winning silver at Rio.

“They answered lots of questions and took lots of photos with our pupils.

“They were really inspirational and it was a fantastic opportunity for Parkside pupils.

“Jessica and Noddy are from Durham and motivated our pupils to believe anything is possible.

“It was a real honour for Parkside Academy and our pupils.”