A TOP diver put youngsters through their paces as they raised money so a fellow pupil can undergo life-changing surgery.

Commonwealth Games medalist James Denny led fun fitness circuits for all 480 children at Crossflatts Primary School.

Pupils took part in various exercises, raising money through sponsorship.

James then spoke about his sporting experiences – including winning Commonwealth silver in 2014 with teammate Tom Daley – and challenges he'd overcome.

The event was in support of a campaign to help little Ryan Weatherall, who has cerebral palsy, to walk.

The four-year-old, who attends the school nursery, has been accepted for an operation at Leeds Children's Hospital.

But the surgery, known as Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR), is not available on the NHS and the family needs to raise £40,000.

The school's PE assistant, Sam Gregory, who co-ordinated yesterday's event, said it was a huge success.

"James was fantastic and it was just a brilliant morning," he said.

"Two classes at a time did circuit training in the gym and the whole school – from nursery to year six – was involved.

"It really inspired the children. Ryan and all the pupils loved it.

"We don't know yet how much has been raised, but it will be a substantial amount."

The event was organised through Sports for Schools, in which GB international sportspeople and Olympic athletes visit around 1,300 primary schools a year.

Sixty per cent of the proceeds will go to Ryan's appeal and the remainder will help fund British athletes.

The event was the latest in a series staged by the school to help Ryan's cause.

Christmas activities raised £490 and nursery teacher Angie Evans is planning to cycle the equivalent distance of the National Three Peaks in May.

Ryan, from Riddlesden, was diagnosed with Spastic Diplegia – a type of cerebral palsy – when he was two-and-a-half.

He struggles to walk without a frame due to severe tightness in his legs and regularly falls.

The SDR surgery would involve cutting some of the damaged nerves in the lower spine.

It has been performed on thousands of children across the world, with outstanding results.

The £40,000 would pay for the operation and subsequent physio.

Fundraising is being carried out via Just4Children.

For more details about the campaign, visit facebook.com/ryanswishtowalk.