The 30-year-old, who is an ambassador for the 2007 event to be held in the city between the 23rd and 26th August, was welcomed by teachers and children at Clifford Bridge Primary school as he led a class of 9 and 10-year-olds in a PE lesson. The sprint star also passed on the tips and secrets that culminated in him earning glory at the Athens Olympics in 2004.

Devonish was also honoured to hand out certificates at the school assembly and to have a suite named after him within the school building, a far cry from the last time he left the school as a pupil 23 years ago.

He said: "I am thrilled to be back at my old primary school, where it all began for me, and to inspire the local children to get involved in sport. I started playing all sports at a young age and I am proud to be back at Clifford Bridge this morning."

Devonish, who won the 4 x 100 relay at the Athens Olympics, also spoke of the importance of the UK School Games for children interested in pursuing sports.

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