THE pupils of St Teath Primary School were treated to an inspirational day, thanks to the visit of Paralympic swimming star, Stephanie Millward.

Stephanie is a world class Paralympic swimmer who has won gold medals at European, World and Paralymic championships.

She made presentations in assembly, met all the children in their own classes to show her ten Paralymic medals from London and Rio, and to answer a whole range of questions.

Stephanie told the children about her early career, how multiple sclerosis (MS) affected her life, her training regime — which involves swimming 50,000 metres a week — and gave tips to potential sporting stars of the future on the need for hard work, dedication and self-belief.

Headteacher, Lee Bacchus, said: “She is an inspirational figure to whom we are very grateful. For children in a small village school to be able to meet such a successful sporting figure and to be able to hold an Olympic medal is a real treat! We hope to be able to welcome Stephanie again in the future.”

The visit came about when a parent of a child in school, David Withers, set himself the challenge of swimming the equivalent of the width of the English Channel to raise funds for Cornwall Air Ambulance.

David and Stephanie went straight from the school to complete the charity swimming challenge.

St Teath School has agreed to collect any additional donations towards this cause in school.

Mr Bacchus added: “On all levels this was a great day for the children of St Teath who got to hold Paralympic medals, the Olympic flame and meet a genuine sporting superstar.”