A SPORTSMAN'S visit to a Newport school proved to be "pure gold" for pupils.

Medals won by inspirational cyclist Simon Richardson at the recent Paralympics in Bejing were handed around to all the youngsters at St Julians Junior.

He then answered 20 questions selected by the school council from many submitted by the pupils.

"He was superb," said head teacher David Rees. "He kept them all mesmerised for an hour and a half. He was so lovely with the children."

Mr Richardson, 41, was injured after a cycling accident in 2001 but got back on his bike in 2006 and just two years later was a winner at the Paralympics.

Mr Rees said it was an "against all the odds" story which taught the children about the importance of not giving up.

Another question also revealed a valuable lesson.

Mr Richardson told the pupils he did not like sports as a youngster.

"He said he did not take up (cycle) racing until he was 32 and suddenly found a sport he loved. We were able to say to the children "some of you might not like football or netball but there are lots of other sports so go and have a go'," said Mr Rees.