EFFORT matters is the message a champion runner brought with him to Westleigh High School.

Commonwealth Champion and World Silver medallist in the 400 metre sprint Derek Redmond dropped in to the school to speak to pupils about his life.

The school felt Derek was the perfect person to impart the message after pupils watched a famous video clip of Derek finishing the 400m run at the Barcelona Olympic Games 1992 with a snapped hamstring and the help of his dad.

Head teacher John Banks states: "Derek’s motivational speech highlighted how through effort, determination and dedication, you can be rewarded. "His own athletic career clearly demonstrate how effort is the key to unlock success.

"Hopefully, through events like this, our students will be motivated to achieve personal success and continue to try their best.”