OLYMPIC gymnast Craig Heap has made an inspirational visit to a North-East primary school.

The double Commonwealth Gold medallist and year 2000 Olympian met youngsters from Delves Lane Primary School, near Consett in County Durham, today. (Monday, September 22)

The day was set up as part of the Be The Best You Can Be! programme, which encourages young people to discover and develop their potential and follows the success of the London 2012 games.

Karen Holden, headteacher at Delves Lane Primary School said: “I was determined that our school would be one of the schools to undertake the Be The Best You Can Be! programme as it rolls out nationally.

“The inspiration offered by high achievers including Olympians, Paralympians who strive to achieve their dreams is incredibly powerful and can really reach out and engage our young people.

“I was pleased to welcome Craig Heap to launch our programme and my teachers and I look forward to delivering this exciting and transformational programme.”

The programme is being organised by the 21st Century Legacy charity with the aim of inspiring and empowering young people pursue and fulfil their dreams.

Mr Heap said: “It’s about helping young people set dreams and goals with ideas and help of how to reach them.

“You can achieve anything you want in life if you set goals and be prepared to make mistakes and deal with setbacks along the way.”