UPCOMING rowers in Bexleyheath were thrilled when an Olympic bronze medallist showed up to offer advice.

More than 70 youngsters were getting stuck into a taster day, organised by London Youth Rowing (LYR), at Danson Park when Greg Searle arrived with his London 2012 medal.

He spent hours showing off his medal and taking questions from the children about his sport.

The 40-year-old said: “I want to get involved with the legacy.

“My kids are getting to the age now where they are interested in sport so I know how important it is to have programmes like LYR providing opportunities like this.”

LYR’s development manager said demand for the rowing taster sessions has been at least five times greater than expected, since Team GB’s success at Eton Dorney.