STARS came down to earth at a school yesterday, when Olympic hurdler Colin Jackson and model Nell McAndrew arrived by helicopter to take part in a run.

Windmill Primary, in Headington, Oxford, was one of two across Britain to be picked out of a hat to win the flying visit, and the pair were greeted by 615 screaming youngsters warming up to take part in the Tesco Great School Run.

Children from Bayards Hill, St Andrew’s and Wood Farm primaries also joined the fun, completing the course after a vigorous warm-up led by the celebrities and Oxford United right back Damian Batt.

The visit was part of a nationwide initiative to persuade children to eat healthily and get involved in sport.

The Olympic silver medallist said: “The welcome has been fantastic, and the excitement when we landed was brilliant.

“This is all about getting youngsters to a run a distance that is not too taxing, and to enjoy doing it.

“There has been lots of helping each other over the line to finish the race, and when you see all the smiling faces, I think we achieved what we set out to do.”

And Miss McAndrew, an accomplished marathon runner, said: “As we flew in, the children were stood spelling out ‘Oxford’ in the playing field. It was amazing.

“They all really enjoyed it, and that is what it is about.

“Running is free, you can do it anywhere you want, and it gives a real sense of achievement.”

Windmill pupil Charlie Ward, 10, who came second in the race, said: “It was great fun, and a brilliant opportunity. I loved taking part in the race.”

Josiah Lyder, 11, said he was proud that he had beaten Colin Jackson in the race.

He said: “I like running and keeping fit. We do a lot of sports here, and to have the visit from the helicopter was amazing.”

Oxford United coaches come into Windmill Primary each week to give sports coaching to Years Three to Six.