30459-27A GROUP of young athletes got the chance to meet sporting hero Sebastian Coe and were inspired to see his Olympic gold medal.

The double Olympic Gold medallist visited Bourton's Pinewood School to support its fundraising efforts for an all-weather pitch.

Lord Coe holds four Olympic medals and eight world records in middle-distance running.

He brought along the gold medal he won in the 1,500m race at the Moscow Olympics in 1980.

Pupil Rachel White, 13, a 200m sprinter, said: "It was quite exciting to meet him. I've only ever seen pictures of him before. It was good to see the gold medal as well. I feel inspired."

Lord Coe, 47, said: "Athletics is not an easy sport, it is tough but it is the foundation for other sports.

"I visit schools and explain if you want to be the next David Beckham or Jonny Wilkinson then you have to be able to run, jump and throw. All the things athletics teaches you."

The former Conservative MP is now the vice-chairman of the London bid for 2012 games.

"I hope some of these young people will be there at the Olympics in London," he said.

The school's governing body and individuals have pledged various sums of money but the school needs to find another £250,000.