AN athlete paid a visit to a County Durham primary school on Tuesday.

Decathlon star, David Guest, dropped into Cockton Hill Primary School, in Bishop Auckland, for the morning to put pupils through their paces.

The Welsh athlete was inspired to start competing by his father and now travels around schools in the North-East as part of the Sports for Schools programme.

The 26-year-old held a fitness session with the children with a 'sportivator' where the pupils were put to the test with a fitness circuit including sit ups, leg drives, press ups and star jumps.

The athlete then inspired the children with a special assembly where he talked about his own experience and gave them the chance to ask him questions as part of a 30-minute question and answer session.

The visit was part of the school's Active Week, which was planned to raise the profile of PE in school, celebrate success and support children to lead an active and healthy lifestyle.

Children enjoyed a several different sports and competitions throughout the week, including favourites like dodgeball and cricket, as well as trying different sports such as new age kurling, yoga and lunchtime interval training.

Young leaders from Bishop Barrington School, alongside their teacher Mrs Bibby, came to support the week by leading a whole school rounders competition. Pupils also took part in creating their own football obstacle course as part of Unicef’s Soccer Aid work.

The week’s events will culminate with a traditional Sports Day event, spectated by parents and carers, where all pupils will compete in a range of races.

A whole school cricket competition will then end the week.

PE Leader, Rachel Legge, who has organised the week said: “This week has been an excellent way to celebrate sport in our school.

"We continually encourage all pupils to engage in physical activity and a range of different sports.

"It has been great to see how engaged the children and staff have been with the events. We would like to thank everyone who has contributed towards this successful week for our pupils.”