OLYMPIC gymnast Craig Heap visited a Darlington school to inspire youngsters.

Nine martial arts students at Longfield School spent a morning working with Mr Heap as part of the Sky Sports Living for Sport initiative.

By sharing the story of his journey to success he instilled in them the importance of persistence and enthusiasm.

He also spent time with pupils in a team building lesson building on confidence, life skills and aspirations.

Mr Heap also held an assembly for year seven pupils who found him engaging and informative.

The pupils will continue to work on their martial arts skills and will give an assembly to their year group to demonstrate their new-found talents.