AN Olympic silver medallist delivered a motivational talk as part of an educational campaign launch at Durrington All Saints Infant School.

Mark Richardson, pictured above with pupils, who clinched silver in 4x400m relay in the 1996 Atlanta games and bronze in the 1992 Barcelona games, was a star guest on Tuesday at the start of Be the Best you can Be!

The former British runner, once part of a gold winning team at the World and European Championships, visited schoolchildren to talk about the Olympic-inspired programme.

The project was developed as an educational legacy following on from London 2012, going beyond sport to enable young people to discover and fulfil future aspirations.

This is aimed at boosting youngsters’ self-confidence and self-esteem over coming weeks.

Headmistress Lindsay West said: “I was determined that our school would be one of the schools to undertake the Be the Best you can Be! programme as it rolls out nationally.

“The inspiration offered by high achievers including Olympians and Paralympians who strive to achieve their dreams is incredibly powerful and can really reach out and engage our young people.

I was pleased to welcome Mark Richardson to launch our programme, and my teachers and I look forward to delivering this exciting and transformational programme.”

Durrington All Saints Infant School is embarking on the project in conjunction with Durrington Junior School.

Once finished, participants will be presented with a recognition award and certificate.

The programme is funded by The Plain Schools Partnership.