Pupils were star struck when a 100-metre Olympic sprinter came to visit them at school.

Girls at Frederick Bremer Secondary School in Siddeley Road, Walthamstow, met former local resident and Olympic finalist Jeanette Kwakye on Thursday when she came to teach them about self-belief through sport.

The teenagers took part in sports including tag-rugby, boxing and self defence and squash on the school’s Girls Empowerment Day, learning how to work together, support and inspire one another as well as growing confidence.

The school has also appointed 14 and 15-year-old sports leaders, whose aim it will be to continue inspiring their younger schoolmates.

Ms Kwakye, a former Walthamstow School for Girls pupil, said: “Working with the girls was a brilliant experience. It's always nice to return back to the area I grew up in and give something back.

“Hopefully they will now be inspired to try new things and stay active.”

Head teacher Jenny Smith added: “Girls of all talents and abilities relished taking part in a range of activities, which tested them physically as well as mentally and encouraged them to work effectively as a team.

“Many thanks to Jeanette for being such an inspiration, this is the first of many initiatives our sports leaders will be running in the school.”

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