School children in St Albans had a sporting day to remember after being put under starters orders by one of the UK’s athletics legends.

Steve Cram MBE, in his role as ambassador for Clydesdale Bank, took time to join a training session and give a motivational talk to a group of 30 pupils from St Albans School and other schools from the local community.

The middle distance runner set world records throughout the 1980s and won silver over 1500m at the 1984 Olympics. His winning 800m time at the 1986 Commonwealth Games still stands as a Games record.

He was joined at the track by his fellow MBE George Harrison, the school’s long-serving cross-country and athletics coach, who was awarded the honour in the latest Birthday Honours list in June.

Chris Hudson, director of sport at St. Albans School, said the day had been a great success. He said: “It was a real honour to welcome such a distinguished and popular sporting figure as Steve Cram.

"The pupils were thrilled to meet him and to hear some of his tips and advice on achieving success in sport.”