Olympian tutors Isle youngsters

Former Olympic swimmer James Kirton puts Westwoodside C of E primary school children through their paces. Picture: Marie Caley NEPB 08-06-15 Olympic MC 5

Olympic swimmer James Kirton inspired pupils at Westwoodside C of E Primary School as part of a sports for schools initiative.

James,who competed in the 200m breaststroke at the Beijing Olympics, led youngsters in varied forms of exercise and launched a fundraising event.

The sports for schools scheme has run for eight years and raises cash both for school sports equipment and to support British and Olympic athletes.

A school spokeswoman said the day was a great success and had been enjoyed by all who took part.

Athletes or ‘sportivators’ visit 1,300 Primary Schools each year across the UK to work with more than 350,000 children, to give pupils direct contact with extraordinary sportsmen and women (both able-bodied and para-athletes).

James, aged 30, from Barnsley, swam for City of Sheffield, before retiring in 2013.