A Team GB Basketball player delighted pupils by paying a visit to a Dagenham school just days after competing at the Olympic Games.

Kieron Achara took time out of his busy schedule last Thursday to meet students taking part in a series of free basketball lessons at Dagenham Park School.

He spoke about his basketball career, the importance of staying in school and working hard to achieve your dreams.

Originally from Stirling, Scotland, Kieron played basketball in the elite Middlesbrough Academy before moving Stateside to Duquesne University.

He won academic player of the year before heading to Italy and then Spain to play professionally.

The 29-year-old scored a game high of 16 points in Team GB’s only Olympic Games basketball victory against China last Monday.

The basketball classes between Monday and Friday last week were run by the Premier Training Network (PTN) as part of a community project called The TEAM Foundation.

Coaches and volunteers were brought in by Dagenham Thunder Basketball Club and PTN.

A PTN spokesman said: “The aim of the clinic was to offer local youths the opportunity to play basketball as well as stimulate interest in the sport. The event was a huge success with a staggering 100 registrations for the clinics made.”