Sally Gunnell was the main attraction at the Hove Park school sports' presentation evening.

The 1992 Barcelona Olympic gold 400m hurdler was guest of honour at the event last week and dished out the prizes to dozens of excited youngsters.

The event included an aerobics and gymnastics display put on by the pupils for for their class-mates and guests.

Teachers took to the stage to review the last 12 months of gymnastics, rugby, netball, hockey and athletics at the school.

Organiser Liza Leung, head of physical, social and health related studies, said the evening went well and Gunnell was a superb guest.

She said: "It was fabulous. Getting Sally Gunnell was a real coup and she was superb and is so lovely. Rather than making a speech she took eight questions from the floor and stood up and talked about her career.

"The kids wanted to know how she got into athletics and how much hard work it entailed.

"She also made hundreds of presentations and gave everyone their medals. She spoke to them individually and signed autographs for ages. It was really inspiring for the kids."

Gunnell's appearance was the culmination of a lengthy pursuit by teacher John Lambert, who knows her husband from their days training together at Withdean.

Gunnell's guest role ensured a bumper turnout but the event, which is in its seventh year, has been getting bigger and better anyway.

This year a video link was set-up so all the 300 parents who attended the evening could see the action.

Leung added: "The big screen helped everyone see the displays and the turn out was superb irrespective of the fact Sally Gunnell was there.

"The event is always one of the highlights of the school calendar and it underlines the school's commitment to sport.

"Sport has always been a really strong part of school life here. We have 1800 pupils and we do our best to get them all playing a sport they enjoy."