Cycling hero Rik Waddon and inline skating star Jenna Downing paid an inspirational visit to students at Accrington?Academy.

Waddon, a Paralympic silver medallist, and world champion and world number one inline skater Jenna Downing, who are both Athlete Mentors for Sky Sports’ Living for Sport.

Rik and Jenna visited as part of its Sky Sports Living for Sport project and were joined by Graham Jones, MP for Hyndburn on a special day for the school in Queens Road West, Accrington.

The free UK secondary schools initiative, delivered in partnership with the Youth Sport Trust, uses sport stars and sport skills to boost confidence, change behaviours, increase attainment and improve life skills.

The pupils involved in the Sky Sports Living for Sport project shared the activities they have completed, the skills they have learnt and their accomplishments on and off the playing field with Rik and Jenna during the visit.

The duo have been handpicked by the Youth Sport Trust to become mentors because of their unique personal journey, overcoming a range of challenges to achieve sporting success.

During the visit Rik and Jenna shared their experiences with the group and used their story of triumph over adversity to support teachers at Accrington Academy to motivate the pupils to be the best they can be.

Waddon said: “I came away from Accrington Academy feeling incredibly inspired by the commitment of the young people I met.

“Hearing how the pupils are putting their new skills and lessons they have learned into practice is a fantastic example of how sport has the power to change lives.”

MP Graham Jones added: “The Living for Sport initiative is a great way to engage young people as it shows them how hard work and dedication can generate a huge reward.

Rik and Jenna are inspirations to any young athlete and it’s a privilege to have them helping the young people in the constituency. I’d like to thank Sky for the initiative and the staff at Accrington Academy for the work they do and the opportunities they provide for their pupils.”

Schools can learn more about Sky Sports Living for Sport and sign up today at www.skysports.com/livingforsport .