AN OLYMPIAN was in the region to inspire school children to get fit and active this week.

Bronze medal-winning hockey player Nicola White spent Tuesday and Wednesday visiting pupils at primary schools in Hartlepool as part of a national tour on behalf of the British Heart Foundation.

The charity and Ms White, 24, are travelling around England to spread the message that getting and staying active throughout life can reduce the risk of heart disease, the UK’s biggest killer.

Following an inspiring speech to children at Eldon Grove Primary School, the Team GB star said: “The London 2012 Games were a fantastic experience both for me personally as an athlete and for the whole country. It’s important now to use the excitement of the Games to inspire more young people to be more active more often.

“Not everyone can be an Olympic or Paralympic medallist but we can all succeed if we have a dream and the belief to achieve it. The most important thing is to find something you love doing and enjoy the challenge of becoming the best you can be.”

Rachel Francis, year three teacher at the school, said: “We’ve been doing a lot of work recently to inspire the kids to be more active. Thanks to the British Heart Foundation, Nicola’s visit has created a real buzz and it’s really fired up staff and pupils alike to get involved in physical activity.”

The charity is offering a free training day for schools in Hartlepool which will take place in the spring term. To register interest, visit bhf.org.uk/schools.