HEREFORD children heard an inspiring story from one athlete who refused to give up on her dream.

Paralympic archer Mel Clarke overcame many health issues to become the best in the world at her chosen discipline in 2005.

She also went on to claim a silver medal at the Paralympics in London two years ago.

The 32-year-old visited St James Primary School as part of the "be the best you can be" programme.

The project aims to inspire the next generation of athletes – and Mel's talk certainly impressed the Hereford pupils.

St James headteacher Kathy Weston said the children were particularly delighted to carry her Olympic Torch and wear her silver medal.

"Mel was fantastic with the children," she added. "She has had so many setbacks with regard to her health which could have made her give up her sport but she chose to "be the best".

"Her story certainly had an impact on the children, fuelling them to set short and long-term goals to achieve success, some relating to sport and others to being successful in life.

"The impact we are looking for is that our pupils understand that the choices they are making now can and will influence their success in later life.

"Our members of staff are looking forward to helping our children to achieve their goals.”