GB Vert Skater Rich Parks visited Wellesley Park Primary School in Wellington to help inspire the children to lead an active and healthy lifestyle.

Rich is a GB Inline Skater who has been rollerblading since he was ten years old and qualified as a professional skater by the age of 17.

Since 2004, he has travelled around the world competing at the highest level. Rich won a silver medal at the 2011 X-Games and is the European Champion. He is still the number one ranked UK half-pipe inline skater and was the second person in the world to ever land a d2ouble blank flip 180 on a half-pipe.

Headteacher Carly Wilkins said: “This has been a tremendous opportunity for our children. Rich was very inspiring, and the children were so engaged with the activities, it was a delight to see the excitement on their faces!

“The event also gives us the chance to raise money to buy new sports equipment for the school, which enables us to continue delivering a rich and varied programme of physical activity – we are fully committed to promoting the well-being of our children here at Wellesley Park Primary School. I would like to thank Mr Morris, our PE co-ordinator, for organising this fantastic event.”

The children especially enjoyed seeing Rich jump over their teachers on his skates, and the activities organised by Jack Rutter of Sports from Schools.

Mr Morris, teacher and PE co-ordinator, said “Thank you to both Jack Rutter and Rich Parker for bringing such energy and enthusiasm – the children – and staff – thoroughly enjoyed it.”