CHILDREN and staff at a Bromsgrove school fell head over heels for gymnast Kristian Thomas when the Olympic medallist paid them a visit recently.

Thomas, part of the Great Britain team that won bronze at London 2012, visited independent day school Winterfold House as part of a 'Sports for Schools' initiative.

The Wolverhampton native - who has also won a Commonwealth gold and two European gold medals - was joined by Jack Rutter, captain of the GB Paralympic cerebral palsy football team.

Children from Year 8 to Reception joined in with exercise circuits led by Thomas and Rutter in the morning, followed by an inspirational assembly for the whole school.

The highlight of the day was when Thomas convinced not only children but also headmistress Mrs Denise Toms to lie down so he could somersault over them.

Mrs Julia Humfress, director of sport said: "It was a wonderful morning. The children were thoroughly inspired.

"Kristian started gymnastics from the age of five and has achieved so much. His personal highlight was to win bronze at the London Olympics.

"It was lovely to hear his story and watch his gymnastics demonstration. It was great to show the children that there really is a sport out there for everyone."