REBEKAH Wilson knows exactly what it takes to become a champion and she was in East Lancashire to help inspire the next generation.

Wilson, known as Bex to her friends, was Blackburn bobsleigh ace Paula Walker’s partner at the Sochi Winter Olympic Games.

The pair also teamed up to win the the World Junior Bobsleigh title in Park City, Utah in 2011.

Wilson is now part of the Sports For Champions team - an initiative that brings Olympic, Commonwealth and Great Britain athletes into schools.

The Manchester-born star spent the day at St Cuthbert’s Primary School in Darwen where she talked to sports-mad pupils about her career in sport.

And the former sprinter, who also represented Great Britain in the World Junior Athletics Championships, was impressed by the youngsters love of sport.

“I was not surprised to learn that it was a very sporting school as all the children were fascinated about what I did and asked me some very good questions,” she said.

“Bobsleigh it not a mainstream sport but they knew all about Paula and that she came from Blackburn.”

Sports For Champions aim is to raise the profile of sports and healthy lifestyles in schools and also raise funds to be used on improving sporting resources.

During her visit, Wilson put pupils through a fitness challenge, held a motivational assembly and also had a question and answer session with the youngsters.

“I really enjoy doing this because it makes you realise what you have achieved,” said Wilson who finished in 12th place with Walker in the Winter Olympics in Sochi.

“You train very hard for your sport and you become very focused and driven.

“So going in to the classroom and talking to pupils about what you have done is very rewarding.”

Wilson is no stranger to East Lancashire having been many times to see Walker’s family – and she did not waste the opportunity to pop in as see Paula’s mum, Denise, for a cup of tea and a natter.

“I’ve been to Blackburn loads of times, either to drop off or pick up Paula when she has been at home visiting her family,” added Wilson.

“So it was great to go and see Denise and have a catch-up. The last time I saw her was when me and Paula were competing in the Winter Olympics in Sochi.”