A VISIT from a female boxing champion proved to be an inspirational and knockout experience for Wirral students.

Natasha Jonas – the first female boxer to bring a gold medal home for Great Britain – visited Bebington High Sports College as a mentor for the Youth Sport Trust's 'Living For Sport Project', sponsored by Sky.

Toxteth-based Natasha shared stories of her sporting career and about the challenges she has faced in life in the hope of inspiring more students to get actively involved in sport.

She explained that you need mental toughness, inner drive and people skills and how you need to be prepared to break down barriers, prioritise and remember to stick to the rules while making good decisions.

The school’s Diane Moore said: "She explained that lessons learned through sport, such as determination, respect and confidence can be applied to all areas of your life to help you achieve goals."

After speaking to students, Natasha delivered an energetic training and coaching session.

She also managed to take time to talk and have her photographs taken with two of Bebington High School's very own boxers – Kyle Timpson and Joe Challinor - who she recognised from previous boxing camps she had visited.

Kyle, who has been boxing since the age of nine and trains with Wirral CP, won both a gold medal in Denmark and became the Merseyside and Cheshire Champion in 2010.

Fellow student Joe has been boxing since he was 11 and trains with Sefton ABC. He too became the Merseyside and Cheshire Champion for his age category in both 2010 and 2013.

Natasha ended the day by signing autographs and giving out 'Living for Sport' souvenir wrist bands.

Ms Moore added: "It was an absolute honour to have such a dedicated sportswoman visit our school, her visit was an inspiration to the students, the lessons were fun, full of energy and kept students motivated.

"We wish her all the best for the Olympic Games in Rio 2016 and hope she can add to her existing medals."