BRITAIN'S greatest ever gymnast Beth Tweddle visited primary schoolchildren in Maldon this week to say thank you for their huge fundraising effort for Great Ormond Street Hospital.
The retired athlete, who won a bronze medal at London 2012, went to Maldon Primary School on Tuesday for a meet-and-greet before giving an inspirational talk to the youngsters.
The school was chosen to get a visit from Beth, in her role as an ambassador for the London children's hospital, after it emerged it is one of the charity's biggest fundraisers.
Shelley Clark, the inclusion manager of Maldon Primary, said: "We knew Beth was going to visit the school around September/October time, however because of her training for Dancing On Ice we had to put it off until after the show finished.
"We wanted to sort it out in the same academic year as the announcement of being one of the biggest fundraisers.
"She is extremely personable and the children loved her. We were very excited to have her. She is somebody who makes the children believe they really can reach their dreams."
The winner of reality TV show Dancing on Ice 2013 kicked off the day's celebration by showing a video of her career highlights, before she took time out to sign autographs, pose for pictures and even lark about with the children in the playground.
The school raised £412 last year through a variety of events, but the main fundraiser was a 5k fun run, for Great Ormond Street's RBC Race for Kids events.
Mr Kitchener, a teacher at the school who met Beth, described the visit as "wonderful".
"She gave up her own time to see us which was really nice," he added.
"She was very approachable and inspiring – to the extent that some children now want to be gymnasts."
Great Ormond Street co-ordinator Judy Kuhl, who accompanied Beth on her visit, added: "It was great to welcome Beth to the school today.
"We're grateful for the school's support for the charity.
"It was a pleasure to invite Beth to meet pupils and staff at the school to say thank you for taking part."
