An Olympic and World Champion skeleton racer inspired a group of children to aim high and be healthy when she visited a youth club.

Lizzy Yarnold won gold at the 2014 Winter Olympics and knows the importance of a good diet, and last week she ate lunch with a group of children who were getting to grips with adopting healthier lifestyles.

The day was for all the family and people who regularly attend Swanley Youth Hub in St Mary’s Road.

Tamara Maretlane, senior early help worker with Kent County Council, said: “The family day went really well and Lizzy was a big hit with the youngsters; they were really excited to meet her, especially the slightly older ones.

“In Swanley we have the worst obesity figures for children at the end of reception year age compared to anywhere else in the Sevenoaks district.

“This day was all about adopting more healthy lifestyles, and families working together.”

There were various activities from baby massage and yoga, to bounce and rhyme sessions, trikes, tunnels and soft play.

In the afternoon the older children took part in dance and football tournaments.

Also on hand was the Tooth Fairy to talk to families about oral hygiene, Mind to drum home the importance of mental as well as physical health, and the Hero project to help people with housing concerns.

Lizzy made her own healthy lunch with the youngsters and ate with them while they asked her about her sporting success. She also spurred them on to power bikes rigged up to blenders which could whizz up some fruit smoothies.

Tamara added: “A lot of the families who come to us are vulnerable but Lizzy really encouraged them to aim high and reach for the stars.”

A free raffle on the day also saw people win fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as swimming membership to the White Oak Leisure Centre in Hilda May Avenue.