WESTCLIFF High School for Girls pupils were put through their paces by Great Britain beach volleyball star Jake Sheaf.

The athlete, who has represented Great Britain since he was 14, visited the school as part of the Sky Sports Living for Sport programme.

This programme was set up with the aim to put athlete mentors into schools to work with a range of pupils and to share their experiences of the journey to professional sport and beyond.

Sheaf, who along with his partner Chris Gregory is the current British champion, spoke to the students about his experiences, completed team building and self-esteem games and, of course, coached them volleyball.

Westcliff High School for Girls’ head of PE Ruth Wilkin said: “For many of our girls this is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

“The Sky Sports Living for Sport Programme has given students the opportunity to meet and work with a professional athlete and role model.

“Jake has inspired girls to want to achieve beyond what they previously thought were their limits and to aim high; above what they previously thought was impossible. He has given them the inspiration to persevere and to enjoy sport even more.”