Sporting legend Steve Cram has paid an inspirational visit to pupils at a school near Norwich.

The athletics star – whose sporting career spanned three decades and included six gold medals at Commonwealth, European and World Championships, and an Olympic silver medal – gave a talk to pupils a Taverham Hall School yesterday.

Mr Cram, a former 1,500m, 2000m and mile world-record holder, told the pupils about how his sporting career began and he urged them to take every opportunity available to them and to always try their hardest.

'If someone offers you the chance to do something, always take them up on it,' he said.

He encouraged them to make the most of the Olympics coming to London in 2012 and to try to visit the capital to see some of the events.

He said: 'The history and the tradition of the Olympic Games is really important. Hopefully when the world comes to London in 2012 Team GB will have its most successful games ever.'

Afterwards he said: 'The children were fantastic. They were very well behaved and they asked some really, really good questions.

'It is good to see that sport matters here and that they are all so keen.'

Pupil Miriam Whadcoat, 10, whose favourite sports are swimming and rounders, said: 'I thought it was quite inspiring for everyone to have such a famous sporting name come to our school.

'It was nice to listen to him and it made you feel like if you really tried hard you could do something really well.'

Jemma Crossley, 11 and whose favourite sports are swimming and netball, said: 'It was really exciting to have Steve Cram come to our school.

'I am really interested in sport so it was really fascinating to hear him speak.'

Headmaster Mike Crossley said: 'This has been a fabulous opportunity for the pupils to engage with a real sporting icon and he had them captivated throughout.

'Steve spoke candidly and openly about the life of a top athlete and the children learnt a great deal.

'I'd like to thank Steve and Clydesdale Bank for providing our staff and pupils with such an invaluable experience.'

Mr Cram's visit was arranged as part of his role as an ambassador for Clydesdale Bank.

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