LOCAL schoolchildren have been able to get a close look at the gold medal of Forest Paralympic triathlon Andy Lewis – but he had an extra special surprise for pupils at his former primary school.

As well as his medals, Andy also presented Bream Church of England Primary School with something that inspired him – a picture of the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue which towers over Rio, the scene of his Paralympic triumph this summer.

He said: “I had the picture in my room at Loughborough where I was training.

“It was there to remind me what I was working for and hopefully it will inspire the children to do their best.”

Andy has also visited Primrose Hill Church of England Academy in Lydney, St John’s-on-the-Hill Prep School in Tutshill and Blakeney.

As well as his Paralympic gold, Andy also showed pupils his medals for winning the world and European championships.

At St John’s, he told the children: “Believe in yourself, no matter what. You will have struggles in life but you can overcome them.

“Prove the doubters wrong – with perseverance, hard work and commitment, you can achieve anything.

“Work as a team and together you can achieve even more.”