A FORMER world champion gymnast told children at Bexton Primary School they can improve at sport if they work hard.

Beth Tweddle, who won a bronze medal at the Olympic Games in London three years ago, also passed on training tips during a coaching session.

She visited the school, on Blackhill Lane, after boys and girls from Bexton represented their region at the recent British Schools’ National Team Trophy finals.

“The children had a fantastic day,” said PE co-ordinator Jessica Lyon.

“Beth was incredibly inspiring; they were in awe of her.

“Hopefully her visit will persuade more of them to try gymnastics outside of school.”

Bexton’s girls’ team, consisting of Sophie Baldwin, Mia Platt and Emma Routs, matched the floor and vault scores of second-placed Maltman’s Green at Stoke on Trent.

Together with a team from Ladybarn House, they helped the North West to fourth place in the under 11s girls’ category.

Jacob Hughes, Alex Baldwin and James Southcott, also from Bexton, took part in the under 11s boys’ competition at the national team finals.

A second Bexton girls’ team won gold at a regional qualifier.

Lyon said: “We couldn’t be more proud of them.”

Bexton’s teams practice their routines with coaches from Knutsford-based Gymfinity Gymnastics.

Christina Duckers and Lily Rees, who help founder Ruth Chapman run sessions at Mereheath Lane, visited along with Tweddle.