Students from Banstead Prep School were treated to a special guest when their new sports facilities were opened recently.

Paralympian and world champion Lauren Steadman paid a visit to the school last week for the official unveiling of its new sports pavilion.

The special opening celebrations saw the children test out their new facilities and hear from Lauren about her triumphs at the Rio Paralympics.

"She talked to us like we were old friends” said swimming captain Olivia.

"It’s really amazing how much she has achieved at such a young age; her medal was so heavy.”

Netball captain Millie added: “I asked her how much training she does and she said 27-30 hours a week.

"She has a really positive attitude; she was really positive about everything.”

Surrey Comet:

As part of the day’s events, Lauren met with children from across the school and explained her background, being born with a disability but with a constant determination to achieve her goals. She passed around her silver Paralympic medal, achieved in the triathlon in 2016, much to the excitement of the children.

They had lots of questions for her, keen to hear about everything from the start of her interest in sport – as a competitive swimmer at school – to taking on new challenges like performing each week on Strictly Come Dancing.

Despite forecast thunderstorms forcing the afternoon’s sporting activities inside, it stayed dry for the official ribbon cutting and raising the school flag.

The sports captains were the first children to look inside the new pavilion building, taking Lauren on a tour of the brand new facilities, which already include a full sized hockey astroturf and grass pitches, a full sized sports hall and indoor swimming pool.

The school's headteacher Vicky Ellis said of the celebrations: “Sport is a huge part of Banstead Prep school life.

"We are delighted to be able to further enhance our excellent sports facilities for the future by investing in the sports pavilion.

"I can't wait to finally see it in use by our children and visiting teams.”