OLYMPIC medalist Saskia Clark told youngsters to aim for the stars.

The two time Olympic sailor from West Mersea, visited Lexden Primary School to share her inspirational story.

Saskia won a silver medal in the 2012 Games and recently won gold at the sailing world cup in Abu Dhabi.

Saskia, 36, said: “I think it is important to inspire the children, to be that bit better and achieve their dreams, and think about having dreams.

"If I can inspire someone to follow their dreams, even ones that aren’t sport related, that would be the legacy I would love to leave.”

Saskia and her sailing partner Hannah Mills have qualified for the 2016 games in Rio.

The visit was organised by Brendan Gibbs, who is zone warden for Colchester Council.

He said: “The children were extremely inspired with Saskia coming in to visit.

"She encouraged the children to be awesome today but even more awesome tomorrow "Also to pursue your dreams and dream big.

"She asked some of the children what they wanted to do when they left school. The answers ranged from Spiderman to lawyers to footballers even a few fancy being sailors and competing in the Olmypics one day.

"We all wished Saskia luck for the Rio Olympics and hope see can come back with the gold medal."