OLYMPIC cycling gold medallist Victoria Pendleton gave students at Broad Oak Sports College a surprise when she turned up unannounced at the upper school presentation night.

The six-times world champion presented personal best awards and GCSE certificates to stunned pupils at the school in Hazel Avenue, Bury.

The track cyclist made the guest appearance as a favour to PE teacher Lisa Parker whose husband, Matt, is a Team GB cycling coach.

After presenting the certificates, the athlete praised the school for promoting cycling as a sport.

Earlier this year, it invested £2,500 in 25 bikes so students could follow cycling under the PE syllabus.

Victoria, who began competitive cycling at the age of nine, said: “It’s important that kids at school get to try as many different sports as possible and see what they enjoy. Enjoyment in sport is probably the main reason people stay with it and, of course, it’s great for your health and great socially.

“School is potentially the place to start. I cycled seven miles to school and, luckily, had a PE teacher who kept my bike safe in the school sheds.” Mrs Parker, who is also a qualified cycling coach, said: “Victoria Pendleton is a terrific role model for our students as she’s shown how not just talent but endeavour and commitment are the ingredients of success. She’s really earned her place as a fantastic Olympian and one of the country’s most admired and respected athletes.

“We were absolutely delighted that she spared some of her precious time to mark the impressive academic achievements of Broad Oak students.”

The presentation night acknowledged record-breaking results which saw the number of Broad Oak students gaining five or more A*-C passes, jumping from 49 per cent to 59 per cent. It was the fourth successive year the school had recorded improved results.