AN eight-year-old girl met a Paralympian after winning a gold medal challenge at school.

Young Ella Eaketts was one of just three winners across the county who were picked by Team GB canoe slalom team members David Florence and Tim Baillie, who will be competing at the Lee Valley White Water Centre in Hertfordshire during the Games.

As part of the Good School Food Gold Medal Challenge, every pupil who ate a school lunch during the two-week period was entered into the draw to win one of more than 40 official London 2012 prize packs.

Paralympian Giles Long visited Ella at Welwyn St Mary’s School to present her with her prize.

Ella said: “When I found out I had won I was really shocked and when I came home after school my whole family were very happy.

“An athlete came in [Giles Long] and talked to us about his life and how he had always wanted to swim in the Olympics.

“Unfortunately when he was 12 he got cancer and had a metal bone put in his arm.”

World, European and Paralympic gold medallist Mr Long said: “Being the best is about paying attention to detail and food is one of those details.

“Sport is about getting the maximum you can out of your body and the right food as fuel is vital in that process.

“That is why I’ve been delighted to support this initiative.”