IN the run-up to the Olympic Games Basingstoke runner Rob Tobin still found time to fit in visits to local schools.

The Basingstoke and Mid Hants Athletic Club athlete spent a day talking to schoolchildren and members of the public about his sporting achievements – and he was remarkably cool considering it was the same day that he was waiting to find out if he had made the Team GB squad.  Luckily, he was succesful.

The 400m runner started at Sherborne St John Church of England Primary School, where 100 children bombarded him with questions and admired his silver medal, recently won as a member of the British 4x400m team at the European Championships.

Next stop was Brighton Hill Community College , in Brighton Way, Basingstoke, where a PE class was put through their paces by Robert in an impromptu coaching session. Rob went on to Festival Place shopping centre where he took part in a question-and-answer session via Twitter before signing autographs for some lucky shoppers.

Jane Stewart, Festival Place’s marketing manager, said: “It was great having Rob come along and take time from his busy schedule to share with the community in Basingstoke. Everyone who met him loved the chance to get up close with an Olympic athlete.”

The day was organised with Newbury Building Society, which has helped to sponsor Rob in the lead up to the Games. It ended well when he picked up a message on his mobile which confirmed he had made the 4 x 400m men’s Olympics relay squad.

Daniel Swann, marketing manager at Newbury Building Society, said: “We’re so excited for him, and along with all of Basingstoke, we’ll be cheering for him in London.”