VIGO Primary School pupils recently welcomed extra special visitors with inspiring messages.

Earlier this month Year 6 listened to a talk from Chris Lubbe, Nelson Mandela’s former bodyguard.

The visit formed party of the year’s studying of the story Journey to Jo’burg, set during the Apartheid, and explores the issues surrounding equality, race and conflict.

The pupils were joined by children from Endeavour and Roman Way schools to hear about Mr Lubbe growing up in South Africa.

Laura Pearson, deputy head, said: “Children gained first hand insight into how people of colour were treated under the Apartheid regime and listened to Chris Lubbe’s key messages, which were reflected during the talk: we should all treat everyone equally and forgive, even in the most challenging of times. It was a very special afternoon and honour to listen to Mr Lubbe.”

The school also welcomed author Lara Prior-Palmer who wrote Rough Magic: Riding the World’s Wildest Horse Race which charts her unexpected win in the 1,000km Mongolian Derby race when she became the youngest winner of the race at the age of 19.

Speaking to the children she told them about how they do not need to wait for a big event in their lives to write a book, but they can put pen to paper any day and write about anything they like.

Lara, who grew up in Appleshaw, said: “I think it is powerful for someone who grew up nearby to you to speak to you. Young people should think of themselves as politicians and writers.”

After the talk Lara said that she enjoyed the questions from the pupils, some of which she had never had before.

Ms Pearson added: “She is a local author and we wanted to inspire our young people to see they can do anything and you can write from your experience.”

Prior to the talk some of the children had been doing research in preparation for writing their own books.

This week Lara was shortlisted in the William Hill Sports Book of the Year. The winner, who will collect £30,000, will be announced at a reception at the Royal Horseguards Hotel on December 5. The shortlisted authors will receive a leather bound copy of their book and a £3,000 cash prize.