GYMNAST Harry Owen inspired young people to aim for gold whatever they do.

The Commonwealth Medallist was the latest sports star to visit St Matthew's CE Primary School in Halliwell to inspire the youngsters.

Harry has been competing in gymnastics for 15-years, starting at the age of six after going to an after school gymnastic club one day. In 2011 he won a Junior Commonwealth Games bronze medal.

Now it seems he has inspired others to follow in his footsteps after wowing children with his awesome moves, including somersaulting over three teachers.

Harry dropped into school to thank children for supporting the athletes through their training by raising money for the charitySports for Champions.

Andy Currid, year five class teacher and PE co-ordinator, said: "Harry was friendly and really inspirational — I had one child say he wished he had focused and done something like that."

He added: "Harry was a motivational speaker, he spoke about his experience in sport, his training and the benefits of staying fit and healthy."

The gymnast put the whole school through their paces, including making them do a series of exercises, including burpees, push-ups and star jumps.

Fortunately, the children were able to show that they too were class athletes having done those exercising before to raise money for Sports for Champions and PE equipment for their own school.

Highlight of the visit was when Harry gave a demonstration of his gymnastic skills, including a series of moves including a somersault over the a trio of teachers lay on the floor.

Mr Currid said: "Harry also awarded a number of prizes to the pupils for raising money for Sports for Champions. This included a trophy for the class which worked best as a team — that went to 5C — my class."

Harry Paged, aged nine, said: "He has inspired us all to do some gymnastics and eat more fruit and vegetables."

Maisey Wood, aged five, added: "It was fun watching him backflip over the teachers."