A PROMISING athlete has been inspiring Winsford schoolchildren.

Grange Community Nursery and Primary School recently welcomed West Cheshire Athletic Club’s Emma Holmes.

The 18-year-old recently starred for Great Britain U20 at the Mannheim International Meeting in Germany, helping the women’s 4x400m relay team to first place with a time of 03:33:78 – a meeting record.

Fresh off this success, she popped into the school on Brindley Avenue to tell the pupils all about her journey so far.

Head teacher Sara Albiston said: “We were delighted to welcome Emma to Grange this week.

“Our curriculum is underpinned by opportunities for our children to be inspired so that they can believe in themselves to achieve their very best.

“It was wonderful for our children to meet Emma and to hear about her journey – especially as it started so locally.”

Emma’s athletics career began when she was just 10 years old, training in a variety of places, including at Knights Grange in Winsford.

She told pupils how her passion for the sport has been a key part of her success.

Emma then led workshops with Key Stage Two classes, demonstrating professional sprinting techniques.

“The children enthusiastically participated in sprinting activities and friendly competitions, making the day both educational, fun and inspiring,” added Miss Albiston.

“We look forward to cheering Emma on when she competes later this month in national championships.”

Emma will compete at the English Schools Track and Field Championships at the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham this weekend.

Currently ranked 11th in the UK U20 women’s rankings for 200m, she will be hoping to improve on her current personal best of 24.30 seconds when she lines up in the Senior Girls event.