Former Olympic champion Sally Gunnell returned to her old stomping ground to inspire the next generation of aspiring athletes.

Gunnell, who won gold in the 400 metre hurdles in 1992, returned to West Hatch High School in Chigwell on June 23.

The former track and field athlete was interviewed by students and staff during the pandemic but the school was delighted to welcome their Olympic hero in person.

Head teacher Daniel Leonard said: "We are all so grateful that Sally was able to give us some of her valuable time and it was a pleasure to show her around the school, which has changed so much since she was here as a student.

"We were able to show her our brand new sports facilities and she gave our students a great insight into what it means to be a professional athlete, with all of the sacrifices one has to make to perform at this level.

"We are all so grateful to Sally for spending the day with us and hope to see her back at West Hatch again.

"I know our students were really inspired by her talk."