BRITAIN’S most successful female rower has been bowled over by the enthusiasm of primary school children for saving energy.

Katherine Grainger, who won gold in the double sculls at the 2012 London Olympic Games, visited Kedington Primary School today.

The school, near Haverhill, has also achieved gold, but for their success in sustainability as part of an EDF Energy initiative called ‘the Pod’.

Miss Grainger - who is an ambassador for EDF Energy - was there to celebrate their achievement as well as launch the Pod’s 4th annual Switch Off Fortnight campaign, which helps schools across the country reduce their energy consumption.

The 36-year-old said the children were keen to tell her how they had been saving energy. “There’s an amazing buzz after the Olympics and enthusiasm about sport, and it’s amazing for them to be so enthusiastic about something even an adult might think is quite a dull subject, and they were equally enthusiastic about that as the Olympics and it was really lovely to see.”

She said they “desperately” wanted to see her gold medal, and in turn she gave them a gold medal for their energy saving successes. “It’s a lovely thing to share. I know how happy I am with my gold medal and they seem equally ecstatic with their gold medal.”

Darren Woodward, headteacher at Kedington Primary school, said it had been “fantastic” to show Miss Grainger the school and what they are doing for Switch Off Fortnight. “Reducing energy consumption is a central part of our sustainability efforts at the school and helping children understand the importance of this type of initiative is so important.”

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