An Olympic medal-winning hockey player dished out prizes at this year’s South Craven School sports presentation evening.

Jill Atkins, who has taken part in three Olympic Games, gave out the awards at South Craven’s recently opened Fells building.

A spokesman for the school explained a chance encounter had led to Ms Atkins being guest of honour at the event.

She said: “Jill was on a train when she met two of our PE staff and a group of excited students on their way home from the opening ceremony of the London Olympics in July.

“Within minutes our staff had got her mobile number and e-mail and the result was an invitation to present the prizes.”

In his welcoming speech at the presentation evening, head of PE Richard Hughes highlighted the ideals of both the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

He said South Craven’s PE staff try to instil these ideals in their students at every level. He praised the school’s pupils and also applauded the staff and parents who make it possible for the young people to achieve.

In her own speech, Ms Atkins outlined her career and argued that talent had to be accompanied by hard work and practice. She said the way people responded to setbacks and disappointments was also vital.

Students in each year group were awarded the following prizes: Most Improved Player and Player of the Year, The Stephie McCartney Award for Year 8, The Sports Leadership Award and The Sporting Achievement Award.

At the end of the evening, many of the pupils had a chance to have their photo taken with Ms Atkins.