YEAR Seven pupils at Wyedean School had a rare opportunity to handle Paralympic medals.

Athlete Beth Woodward won an individual silver in the 200m and a 4 x 100m medley bronze at the London 2012 Games and had previously won a world championship gold.

She visited the school on Monday to talk to pupils in Year Seven and inspire them towards their own goals.

Beth, who has cerebral palsy, emphasised the need for determination in being successful.

She said: "There were times when I felt it would be easier to give up but if I had done that I would have missed so much.

"London 2012 was absolutely phenomenal."