Paralympian and blind footballer Roy Turnham inspires pupils at Edmund De Moundeford Primary School in Feltwell

A Paralympian has visited a Feltwell school to help inspire the next generation of sporting stars.

Pupils at Edmund De Moundeford Primary School were able to talk to blind footballer Roy Turnham and meet his guide dog Pudsey.

Mr Turnham, who played in the London 2012 Olympic Games and has 52 caps and 16 goals for the England and Great Britain Blind Football Team, also gave an assembly where he talked about his sporting achievements.

The footballer said he wanted the children to realise they can 'achieve anything' with hard work.

He said: 'The main thing for me is when I come here and do my assembly I want to share my story with them and leave them with a really positive message to take forward. They can achieve anything through perseverance if they really want something and they work hard for it.'

The visit was organised by Sports for Schools and the youngsters were treated to a fun exercise session.

There was a lot of laughing and shouting as the 190 pupils from Reception to year six were put through their paces by a coach.

'For me it is about seeing the kids doing exercises like this in a very positive environment,' said Mr Turnham. 'People can be put off exercising very easily.'

He added: 'It is always good for children to meet somebody from a completely different upbringing than them and it helps them to learn different things.'

Eight-year-old Bessy said she enjoyed the experience and was inspired by the athlete.

She said: 'Roy was there to encourage us and he spoke about his football.'