Former Olympian Steve Smith has been helping youngsters go for gold at their school sports day.

The retired high jumper, who brought back a bronze medal from Atlanta in 1996, kicked off a day of games at Bradford Moor Primary school, off Barkerend Road, Bradford Moor.

He started the first running race and cheered the young athletes on in the warm sunshine.

The 31-year-old also spent time coaching the youngsters and gave them tips on their techniques in a variety of heats, including ball-throwing.

And Steve said he was impressed with their enthusiasm.

"School sports day gives pupils who do not always perform well in the classroom the chance to shine on the sports field," he said.

"Because they are taking part in competitive sports they learn how to win and how to lose, and it's important they learn how to bounce back and that life isn't that straight forward.

"The children here have had a great time and they've all enjoyed taking part, even if they haven't won anything."

Steve, from Liverpool, who still claims pole position as the best British male high-jumper since his 2.38m jump in 1994, also presented children with medals and certificates at the end of the event.

"Sports day helps children realise their own potential, and maybe help them realise a talent they didn't know they had," said Steve.

"Every child and person should have a goal in life, whether it's to be good academically, or at a sport or at a hobby, we all need something to aim for."

The school was one of 11 lucky regional winners across the country to scoop a sports-day visit from an Olympic athlete as part of a Weetabix competition, which was entered by 8,000 schools.

Cereal giant Weetabix is the official sponsor of the Great Britain team at the Olympic Games in Athens, Greece.

Year five and six teacher Mo Owen entered the school after sending off for a Weetabix Olympics for Everyone sports pack, which provided advice on how to run a successful sports day and also encouraged schools to promote sporting activities.

"I couldn't believe it when I got the call saying we'd won, it's fantastic," he said. "It's a great morale-booster for the pupils and Steve has been great with them.

"He comes across as a genuine, every-day guy and this shows the children that anyone can go on to achieve great things and that sporting heroes are people."

In the run up to Steve's visit the children were given an assembly about Steve and his success, and spent time researching the history of the Olympics.