CHILDREN rejoiced at Purfleet Primary in celebration for Paralympic Challenge Day, where they were joined by a paralympic gold medalist.   

The little-ones teamed up with guests from Treetops specialist school, in Grays, for a day of sporting activities, and enjoyed an "icing on the cake" visit from Tim Prendergast.

The event, which took  place on Friday May 20, was to mark the end a week's worth of fun sporting events.

Headteacher Lesley Mabey, said: "To see our children working together with students from Treetops School, making friends and learning together, it's everything I want for Purfleet Primary.

"(It) moves us another step closer to our vision of truly inclusive and excellent all-round provision for pupils.

"The visit of Tim Prendergast, Paralympic gold medalist, was the icing on the cake.

"It enabled children to see and hear living proof of what can be achieved through determination, perseverance and self belief."


Assistant headteacher at Treetops, Ryan Jones, gave heartwarming thanks to Benfleet Primary, and urged other schools to join forces. 

He said: "On behalf of Treetops School I can’t thank Purfleet Primary, their staff and students enough.

"It was fantastic to be hosted by a school with such great facilities and sport was utilised in a wonderful way to break down social barriers between children.

"We value our sporting link with Purfleet and would invite other mainstream schools in the area to follow their lead."