PUPILS at Priorsford Primary School in Peebles were feeling just champion this week.

Scotland's most capped rugby internationalist and record points scorer Chris Paterson visited the school to present the children with medals following their participation in the Borders Sports and Leisure Olympic Passport Scheme.

The sessions were organised to celebrate the summer Games in London.

Chris said: "I take my hat off to the team of staff from Active Schools, it is fantastic what they have created here. I have learned a lot about this programme in recent years, and the link up with the Olympics has been such a huge success.

"The amount of sports the children have tried out has been phenomenal. I am a massive believer that there is talent in every child and it is just a case of finding the right sport or the right activity that fits in with that young person.

"Traditionally we look to turn to rugby, football and hockey but this has opened the eyes to a whole range of other sports." More than 1000 children across the Borders, including 60 pupils from Priorsford, took part in the programme. And together they tackled 24 different sports, including sailing, archery and fencing.

Each time a child took part in an activity they were awarded points. and those who scored enough points were presented with medals for their efforts.

Paterson also signed the commemorative certificates and posed for photographs with the proud pupils during his visit to Peebles on Monday.

Ewan Jackson, Chief Executive of Borders Sport and Leisure, said: "The Olympic Passport Scheme has been an amazing success." And he added: "We plan to continue to build upon this and look to provide more new and exciting sporting opportunities in the Borders."