FIVE pupils from Kingdown School took part in a programme which recognises some of the country’s most promising sporting talents last week.

The Talent Inspiration Programme, which was held at Loughborough University from August 31 - September 3, brought together 300 young aspiring county and regional athletes from across the UK to participate in a range of activities.

Anna Lancaster, Macy Wrintmore, Amy Gordon, Adam Cooke and Corey Gardener were the five pupils from the school to feature, who were all nominated by PE teacher Greg Richardson.

He said: “To have five pupils from the school feature in the programme is absolutely brilliant.

“Usually, only one or two from each county go, so for five to go from Kingdown alone is absolutely fantastic and both the school and the pupils should be very proud of the achievements.

“They're all very talented athletes across a range of sports and three of the five have been helping with a leadership programme we’ve been running at the school.

“The programme they took part in is as much about keeping them engaged with sport as it is about them playing sport.

"It’s also good for developing teamwork and helping them set individual targets and is overall a great experience."

The workshops were led by a host of elite athletes, Olympians and Paralympians, including GB gymnastics star Max Whitlock, who won two gold medals in Rio last month.

Throughout the programme, the experienced Athlete Mentors were on hand to bring to life the world of an elite athlete and demonstrate the journey it takes to reach the top.