PARALYMPIC star Claire Cashmore inspired youngsters during a visit to a Bury high school.

The swimmer, who won one silver medal and two bronze medals at the London 2012 Paralympics, wowed pupils at Elton High School with stories about how she has overcome adversity.

Claire delivered a motivational assembly to pupils about her journey, having been born without her left forearm.

Despite this, she started swimming aged six, and quickly rose through he ranks before her first major achievement aged 16, winning a bronze medal at the 2004 Paralympics in Athens.

The 27-year-old became a high profile ambassador for Paralympic sports at the London games, after being chosen as an ambassador for Channel 4’s Meet the Superhumans campaign, which included her being pictured on billboards across the country.

During her visit to the school, in Walshaw Road, she recounted stories recounted stories of practical jokes with prosthetic arms, and how some people frequently stopped to stare at her.

She aimed to deliver a serious message to the pupils, that they can achieve anything they want if they put their minds to it.

Claire also went poolside at Castle Leisure Centre, and showed off her skills during a group session with youngsters.

She also lay on a diving board to fully demonstrate how best the children should use their legs to swim.

After visiting the leisure centre, Claire headed back to Elton to join in with a ‘I Will if You Will’ boxercise session.

She also met with 20 young ambassadors for the school's healthy human project.

The visit was arranged as part of the Sky Sports 'Living for Sports' project, and Claire, a mentor for the scheme, wants young children to be inspired to live a successful and healthy life where they feel they can achieve their goals.

Adrian Calvert, headteacher of Elton High School, said “I am delighted that we are able to be involved in the Sky Sports ‘Living for Sports’ project.

"It was inspiring to see Claire Cashmore working with and motivating our students.

"I look forward to even more of our students becoming involved in sport and physical activity as part of a healthy lifestyle."