Sporting superstar Dame Kelly Holmes has been encouraging children to get active during school.

Dame Kelly has been issuing a sporting challenge to schools across the region as part of her new role as national schools sport champion.

During a visit to Thurstable School and Sports College in Tiptree, she held a question and answer session with pupils, as well as observing and taking part in sports activities, taking place as part of the school's multi-cultural day.

Activities included volleyball, climbing, a capture the flag game and belly-dancing.

Primary school pupils were also at the school to take part in a mini-athletics festival.

The visit was part of a tour of schools across East Anglia.

Dame Kelly won two gold medals at the Athens Olympics in 2004.