PUPILS at Okehampton Primary School enjoyed a star studded assembly this week, when they welcomed Olympic gold medallists, 'The Three Blondes in a Boat', to their school.

Sarah Ayton, Sarah Webb and Pippa Wilson, who sailed to victory in the Yngling Yngling sailing event at the Beijing Olympics last year, paid a visit to the school last Monday to talk about their success and share their stories with the wide-eyed youngsters during their assembly.

The half hour assembly saw the stars encouraging pupils to follow their dreams and strive towards their goals.

Pupils were given the opportunity to ask questions and hold two of the gold medals, which were passed around the packed room.

The purpose of the visit was to encourage pupils to follow their dreams, keep active and strive towards their goals.

Speaking after the assembly, Sarah Ayton said she felt passionate about visiting schools to give motivational talks.

'Going into schools helps us to deliver messages about health, fitness and diet and showing that by having goals and determination it is possible to achieve anything,' she said.

'We want to encourage kids to enjoy sport and provide them with expert advice on how to keep fit.

'It is about helping kids who are passionate about sport and hopefully pushing them that little bit extra to be the number one.'

The girls were also taking part in the last 80-mile leg of a cycle ride from John O'Groats to Land's End.

They aim to raise £100,000 for the British Heart Foundation.

The team of cyclists, which included Olympic gold medallist and husband of Sarah Ayton, windsurfer Nick Dempsey, were passing through Okehampton during the cycle challenge.

Brian Cunningham, headteacher at Okehampton Primary School, said: 'It was a fantastic opportunity for the children.

'How often does a child get that close to an Olympic medallist, actually hold the medal and be inspired to do their best?

'That's what it's all about, if the children are determined enough to develop and improve, the sky is the limit.'

Mr Cunningham said children were encouraged to set goals and targets and this visit had proved a first class example of what could be achieved with determination and commitment.