A SCHOOL sports day was turned into an unforgettable experience for youngsters thanks to a visit by an Olympic hero.

Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill, who became a national hero by winning world and Olympic titles during an illustrious career, created a buzz at Pickering Community Junior School’s annual sports day.

Mrs Ennis-Hill raced against the youngsters and encouraged them to get active as part of a competition run by VitalityHealth.

The school children also won VIP family tickets to join Mrs Ennis-Hill at the VitalityMove event, a new running festival taking place at Chatsworth House on July 9.

The event, created by Mrs Ennis-Hill, combines music and running to encourage people of all ages and abilities to get moving.

Speaking about her time at the Pickering school, Mrs Ennis-Hill said: “I really enjoyed meeting the school children at today’s event.

“Encouraging young people to be more active is really important to me.

“I got so much out of sport at a young age and want to inspire others to give it a go.

“I hope some of the children will also be joining us at Chatsworth House for VitalityMove next month.”

The Chatsworth event is free for children and £15 for adults and will raise funds and awareness of the Devonshire Educational Trust and Diabetes UK.