NEVER give up on your dreams was the message paralympian Stephanie Millward gave to the pupils at an assembly at St Peter's Academy in Chippenham.

The swimmer, who won a number of medals at the recent Rio Paralympics, told the primary school children on Monday (May 22) how she persevered with her dreams to achieve a gold medal after being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis at a young age.

“I loved speaking at the school assembly and watching as all the children became part of my story," she said. "I really felt like part of the team especially when some of the children asked very intelligent questions and they loved putting the medals around their neck and living a dream of their own.

"I like to think that I have made some of their dreams real by showing them the Paralympic medals and Olympic Torch. I hope I have shown that dreams really do come true!”

The school, who are trying to encourage their pupils to maintain a positive attitude both in their work and in their personal life, were delighted the talk had such an impact on their year groups.

Headteacher Mark Everett, said: “Stephanie is an excellent role model for the pupils and her story of perseverance greatly inspired the children. Who knows, maybe we’ll be watching a St. Peter’s pupil win an Olympic gold medal in a few years’ time!"