Two of Great Britain’s Olympic hockey stars came to The King’s School as part of a nationwide programme to increase interest in the sport.

Beckie [corr] Herbert and Susie Gilbert visited pupils for the scheme Hockey Nation, and spoke at the Ottery academy about their preparation for London 2012 this summer.

Pupils had the chance to try In2Hockey, a beginner’s version of the sport for 10 to 14-year-olds, part of an initiative which will see British Olympic hockey players visit hundreds of schools over the next two months.

Beckie Herbert said her hockey career started at school so was glad to return to the playground, and try and inspire the next generation of potential Olympians.

Kate Wright, hockey teacher at The King’s, said it was fantastic to have two Great Britain players visiting the school, adding they were tremendous role models who could inspire the students.