ONE of the UK's greatest ever athletes gave a talk to students and staff at the John Masefield High School this week, and he left them all spellbound.

The guest speaker at assembly on Tuesday was none other than the seven time Paralympian gold medallist, the swimmer Sascha Kindred CBE, who lives in Herefordshire.

Mr Kindred has cerebral palsy, affecting the right side of his body, but not his prowess in the pool, where he has enjoyed great success in the breaststroke, butterfly and medley classifications.

The school's deputy head, Andy Collard said: "He spoke about his experiences as an elite athlete and his crucial formative years that helped shape the phenomenal success that he has enjoyed.

"The audience were spellbound by his heartfelt and frank stories of struggling against adversity which led him to refuse to accept barriers to achieving his dreams. The students were captivated in particular by incredible insights into the London and Rio games which saw storied filled with heartbreak, humour and ultimately triumph."

Mr Collard added: "Hearing such incredible stories sent a powerful message to students though this was made even more special because of Sascha's personal connection to the county.

"The message of daring to believe and striving to achieve was one that will doubtless have left a lasting impression on the students, many of whom stayed behind to talk to Sascha who praised the students for their excellent manners and behaviour."

Mr Kindred has even promised to return to JMHS in the future.

Mr Collard said: "He will update us on doubtless more gold medals and records that he will go on to achieve."