School strikes gold

JOLLY hockey sticks . . . (from left) Billy Swindell, Demi O'Regan, Kavanagh Warner, Nicola White, Rosie Prince, Hannah Bailey and Erin Firby

PUPILS are St Joseph's RC Primary School were going for gold following a visit from Oldham's Olympic gold medallist Nicola White.

The podium-topping GB hockey star took part in an hour-long assembly where she spoke to youngsters about her success.

White told them all about her experiences in Rio and life at the Olympic village as well as playing sport when she was at Farrowdale House Prep School in Shaw.

She passed her gold medal around as pupils took part in a question-and-answer session before heading outside for a quick game of hockey.

Steve Hill, deputy headteacher, said: "Nicola visited the school two-and-a half years ago to speak to the children with her London 2012 bronze medal, so we decided to ask her back and were thrilled that she came.

"She was very inspirational and her message was the same as the one we tell our children ­- dream big, follow your dreams and don't let anyone stop you achieving them.

"Seeing a real gold medal was amazing for everyone.

"Hopefully, her visit would have planted the Olympic seed among our students."