A CHAMPION rower stopped by Botley Primary School yesterday morning to put the pupils through their paces.

Felix Drinkall, who won a gold medal at last summer’s World Rowing Junior Championships, was there to get the children excited for Sport Relief.

The charity fundraiser will take place from March 17-23 and in the run up schools and workplaces across the UK are being encouraged to take on a sporting challenge to raise money.

The Oxford University student, who is currently in training for the Oxford v Cambridge boat race, put on a fitness session for the children and then answered their questions.

Sam Whitehead, the school’s PE coordinator, said: “It was inspiring for them to hear from someone who has already done so well and has Olympic ambitions.

“We have quite at lot of children interested in sport and they are excite for Sport Relief.”

Last Sport Relief, which takes place every two years, the school raised £1,400 with a sponsored mile-a-day challenge.

This year pupils will dress in retro exercise gear for a fitness challenge.