A PARALYMPIC hero helped inspire pupils at a Wirral school to live healthier lives during a recent visit.

Rhiannon Henry, a triathlete, cyclist and swimmer who won medals at the 2004 Athens Paralympics and 2010 Swimming World Championships in Eindhoven, introduced a week of health and fitness events at Thingwall Primary School and talked to students about their school ethos.

During the visit pupils took part in a sponsored circuit training even to raise money for Team GB, vital equipment and resources to help the school enhance its PE provision.

Rhiannon spoke about her experiences at a school assembly and the rest of the week will see pupils taking part in multi-cultural dance, cardio-vascular training, healthy eating classes, multi-skills, football and street dance.

Headteacher Danielle Cronin said: "Meeting Rhiannon has been a brilliant opportunity for our children to meet a strong role model who has succeeded in her field through determination, a positive attitude and constantly practicing her skills and techniques.

"It has been wonderful for our children to speak to Rhiannon and find out about her exciting sporting journey as well as being inspired by her resilience and adaptability.

"Visits from athletes such as Rhiannon are inspirational and I am sure that our children will remember meeting her for many years to come."

Cllr Tony Smith, cabinet member for children and families, added: "The heroes of the GB Olympic and Paralympic teams are role models for our young people, displaying the kind of disciplined and dedicated attitude necessary to succeed in life.

"Our schools welcome many inspirational figures every year and their visits play a formative role in developing confident, ambitious young people."