FORMER Great Britain triathlete Shaun Green put youngsters and staff through their paces in preparation for a cycling challenge when he visited Lavington School.

The Wiltshire sports coach was at the school last Thursday to help the 38 pupils, staff, parents and former students get ready for a Devizes to Paris cycle ride in support of Bag4Sport Foundation.

They will be setting off from Devizes on August 1 and will arrive in Paris three days and 190 miles later. Assistant headteacher Lisa Adams said the team had set a fundraising target of £10,000.

She said: "I wanted to organise the event for the school after being given a clean bill of health this year after sustaining a knee and spinal injury playing rugby back in 2011. The response from the students was overwhelming and inspired a team of 38 to take up the challenge."

The team is made up of 25 pupils aged 14 to 16, eight members of staff, three parents and two former students.

Local companies have backed the endeavour but Mrs Adams is keen to hear from others.

On Thursday Mr Green led a training session. Mrs Adams said: "He focused on bike skills, group cycling and a nutrition session to help prepare all the cyclists for the event.

"Shaun who is a retired GB triathlete and cycle coach shared his expertise and put the cyclists through their paces, making sure all students could ride their bikes safely and recognise the differences of cycling in England and France."

Text "LSCC62 £5" to 70070 to donate £5 to the challenge.