A top gymnast Jaydon Paddock visits Great Whelnetham Primary School near Bury St Edmunds to help fund-raise for new play equipment

A top gymnast visited a primary school in Great Whelnetham, near Bury St Edmunds, to inspire the next generation and help raise funds for new play equipment or activity day.

Jaydon Paddock gave a talk to pupils of Great Whelnetham C of E Primary School yesterday before leading a circuit of exercises to set them on their gymnastics journey.

The school had partnered with Sports for Champions, a community interest company, to launch the fund-raiser, with 60 per cent of the money going to the school and 40 per cent going to professional athletes in need of support.

After months of hard work fund-raising, pupils and staff managed to raise £1,200.

Claire Masson, PE lead at the school, said: “We’re really passionate about all children from across the school getting involved in sport.

“It’s an amazing thing to do to hear an inspirational athlete that’s worked really hard is just really inspiring for the children.”

Jaydon, who travelled down from Birmingham, added: "It's important to inspire children from grassroots level because that's where we all started from.

"I always say to children I teach, it may not be gymnastics but try something. There is something for everyone."

The school has a particular passion for gymnastics, running a club before school for Key Stage 1 and 2.

Jaydon stood in for GB world gold medallist Megan Kealy who had other commitments.