Organised by The Children’s Trust and East Surrey School Sports Partnership, and held at the Trust’s site in Tadworth, the event enabled pupils to have fun taking part in a variety of different sports and have a taste of what the Paralympics might be like.

Coinciding with Lloyds TSB’s National School Sports Week, held in partnership with the Youth Sport Trust, it featured sports provided by Surrey Cricket, Surrey Rugby, the English Golf Foundation, GB Boccia and Fulham Football Club, as well as a wheelchair basketball experience.

Former International cricketer, television celebrity and vice-president of The Children’s Trust Phil Tufnell took part along with British Olympic swimmer Melanie Marshall and GB Boccia world bronze medallist and 2012 Paralympic medal hopeful Ali Lalani.

Tufnell said: "It’s been a fantastic day and great fun for all the kids.

"Sport is a great way of bringing people together as this has shown.

"I’ve learnt a few things today and had a chance to sharpen my cricket skills too".

Phil Packer, who walked this year’s London Marathon in 26 hours for 26 charities including The Children’s Trust, also showed his support for the young sporting hopefuls.

He said: "The Paralympic Sports Festival has been a tremendous opportunity for schools to participate and for pupils to have fun whilst enjoying many different sports.

"It has been a very successful and worthwhile event and it is a privilege to be invited and to feel the wonderful atmosphere."

 Lalani added: "This is such a fantastic event and up there with any Paralympics that I’ve been to.

"The young people here define what it is to be a champion - never forget that."