YOUNGSTERS were jumping for joy when top gymnast Beth Tweddle turned up at their school.

Staff at SS Simon and Jude CE Primary School in Great Lever invited Beth in to help motivate the children.

The school is focusing on gymnastics this year so thought Beth would be the ideal person to launch the sporting calendar.

Liz McMenamin, PE co-ordinator and year six teacher, said: "Beth came into school to give an inspirational talk to the pupils.

"The children were so excited about her coming in, they all knew about her."

Beth is an Olympic bronze medalist, a triple World Champion, a six-time European Champion, a Commonwealth Champion and seven-times consecutive National Champion.

Miss McMenamin said: "Beth did give a really motivational and inspirational speech. She spoke of her journey and about resilience, determination and discipline, qualities we want our children to aspire to. Our children saw by having Beth here the result of those qualities."

She added: "Beth told how she got her degree as well as putting in training, the injuries sustained and how never to give up."

Each child was given a copy of Beth's autograph which they have taken home to treasure

Miss McMenamin said: "The children were so excited to have Beth's autograph.

"She really did inspire and motivate the children."

The children will receive gymnastics coaching from Great Britain international Theo Seager as part of the programme they are spending their sports funding on.