STUDENTS at the County High School in Leftwich were treated to a visit by a Paralympic swimming champion before they broke up for the summer holidays.

Athlete mentor Liz Johnson, 30, who won gold in the 2008 Games and bronze at London 2012, spent a day with 18 Year Eight pupils as part of the Sky Sports Living for Sport programme.

The initiative focuses on the six keys of success, and visits UK schools to help teach these values both in sport and in life.

Some students were also selected to volunteer in coaching younger children over the next 12 months, including running a Year Two multi-skills festival.

Newport-born Liz, who retired through injury earlier this year, told the Guardian: “The group was super competitive but that was brilliant because we got to do so many activities.

“When it came to me telling them about my story, they were really inquisitive and could relate it back to themselves. I am one of the most competitive people on the planet so for me it was good to see.

“It made for a really fun day and provided some things they will have to work on for the next year.

“For me as a swimmer I cannot go in and deliver my sport, so we do a lot of different activities that do not alienate anyone.

“It’s about showing the pupils that by using these keys they can achieve their goals.”

Liz was born with cerebral palsy, and first started swimming aged three. As well as her Paralympic medals, she The six keys to success are mental toughness, hunger to achieve, people skills, sports and life knowledge, breaking barriers and planning for success.

The County High School has participated in the Sky Sports Living for Sport programme for the past seven years.