HE’S the former Olympic sprinter turned-TV presenter known for his blistering straight-line speed.

But it was monkey bars, rope bridges and climbing frames that Iwan Thomas faced on Thursday, as he opened a Southampton school’s new play park.

The former World Championship gold medalist monkeyed around with students from Valentine Primary School, Sholing, after cutting the ribbon on their £16,500 facility.

Completed last week, the play park was part funded by a £10,000 National Lottery grant and £5,000 from the school’s parent teacher association.

£1,500 was also raised by a group of school staff, who cycled 200 miles in aid of the scheme.

The team of eight, which included teachers, assistants, and the site manager, cycled for two days and reached as far as Brighton before returning to Valentine in time for the school’s summer fete.

Valentine Primary School head teacher Liz Filer said: “We all worked together for this money so first of all I’m very happy that staff did things like cycle 200 miles to raise money for this project.

“The reason this play park is so important is that it gives the children the opportunity to exercise and stay fit.

“There is very limited equipment in this part of the city for children so to have this for our children to stay fit and health is really good.”

Provided by Bristol-based company, Pentagon Play, the assault course style play park contains 11 different pieces of equipment.

The company say there are 26 different challenges children can take part in, using the equipment, which include climbing, walking and swinging.

Mrs Filer said: “Iwan tested out the monkey bars and they must be strong for children’s equipment because they took his weight easily.

“He was telling the children about core strength and all of the muscles that you use when climbing.”

“It was good to have him open the play park – he was great with the children.”