ASHPERTON Primary youngsters were put through their fitness paces last week by Paralympian football hero, Jack Rutter, who paid them a visit and set them fun challenges.

Mr Rutter, who captained the England Cerebral Palsy football team at Rio in 2016, visited the primary school for an afternoon of sponsored fitness fun.

School spokesman, Rebecca Wilce said: "Every child in the school took part in a vigorous fitness circuit led by Jack which involved exercises such as the spotty dog, star jumps, leg drives and of course the challenging press up, having to do each non-stop for a minute.

"This was then followed by an inspirational assembly given by Jack in which he shared his remarkable story of how he came to be part of the Rio 2016 Paralympics team after an injury left him with brain damage and deafness in his right ear."

Mrs Wilce added: "The children were enthralled by the sports star’s story and some were lucky enough to receive some expert football skills tips from the England captain."

One of the lucky youngsters Gabriella Wilce, aged 11, added: “He taught me how to kick like Messi. He was really positive about what had happened to him and is proof that if you are really determined you can achieve amazing things even when there are huge challenges.”

In addition to having fun and encouraging the children to keep healthy through exercise, the sponsored event, organized by Sports for Schools, will help the primary to raise money for new sport’s equipment.

Mr Rutter while a teenager was a second-year scholar with Birmingham City; but in 2009 he was attacked outside a Gloucester nightspot, and he suffered a brain injury that ended his dreams of a becoming a professional football player.

Another avenue eventually opened for Rutter in Paralympic football, leading to the honour of him being offered the captain's position for Rio.