AN ELITE Kenyan runner has linked up with a local school to boost his international career and serve as a role model to its pupils.

Jackson Biwott's talent was spotted by Bingley Grammar School teacher Jamil Parapia while on holiday in Kenya last summer.

Head of languages, Mr Parapia has joint Kenyan nationality and has previously helped set up a teacher exchange project between BGS and a school in the capital, Nairobi.

He then set wheels in motion to enable Mr Biwott to fly to the UK last month with the aim of taking part in races, including the Plusnet Yorkshire Marathon in York this coming Sunday.

A qualified running coach, Mr Parapia is also giving some tactical training to Mr Biwott to improve his chances of success.

"Whilst on holiday in Kenya I participated in the Nairobi Diamond 10km and met a number of Kenyan runners after the race.

"Jackson, from Ziwa, near Eldoret, stood out from the rest and when it emerged he had lost his parents at a young age in a car accident I felt compelled to help," said Mr Parapia, from Otley.

"This was around the time I had was completing my running coach certificate and I also thought the opportunity of coaching a potential elite Kenyan athlete was too good to resist.

"As I hold dual nationality, I quickly registered with Athletics Kenya put a plan together to try and bring Jackson to the UK to take part in a race or two."

Thanks to sponsorship and charity donations, Mr Biwott arrived on September 24 with his expenses and accommodation all paid for and ran his first race - the Sheffield Half Marathon just three days later - coming second.

"Being here and racing has always been my dream and I feel very honoured," said Mr Biwott, 24.

"There may be runners in Kenya who are better than me, but if you have belief in yourself you can do anything - it is in my heart to do so and my aim is to do the best I can."

Mr Parapia explained how the attitude of Kenyan runners was totally different to athletes in this country and that pupils at Bingley Grammar could learn much from his dedication to excellence.

"Jackson, like other Kenyans, is not interested in personal bests or good times - all they care about is winning.

"Coming first is the only thing that matters to them.

"But that means they often just run as fast as they can, without any tactics, which is where I hope I can offer some help.

"I hope he makes the most of this opportunity and uses the races as a springboard for future success either back in Kenya or in a future return to the UK," Mr Parapia said.