Olympic champion Denis Lewis is to offically open a Blackpool primary school destroyed by fire three year's ago.

Hundreds of excited youngsters will be joined on their custom-designed playground by Olympic gold medallist Denise Lewis when she visits Devonshire School in Blackpool next Tuesday.

Denise, who won a heptathlon gold medal in the 2000 Sydney Olympics, is in town in her role as ambassador for the Youth Sport Trust.

She will also be on hand to perform the official opening ceremony for the school.

As a mum of two young children herself, the former elite athlete is passionate about helping children enjoy the benefits of sport and physical activity in a fun, engaging environment.

Denise will join in with children as they play as well as meeting teachers and staff to discuss the benefits of the new playground.

Devonshire Road, Blackpool is receiving a day with Denise for their commitment to playground development and to celebrate how they have embraced their Zoneparc playground not only during playtimes and lunchtimes but also during PE lessons.

Denise said: "I'm really excited to meet the people from Devonshire Primary School as part of my work with the Youth Sport Trust, and give them my support.

"I hope my visit will inspire them to continue this important work developing our young people."

Neil Hodgkins, headteacher of Devonshire Primary School, said: "I am delighted that we have such a high profile athlete visiting the school.

"All the children are very excited about having the opportunity to show her their playground and are looking forward to asking her questions about her new role.

"We are also honoured that Denise has agreed to officially open our new school."

The new £7M Devonshire School opened in September 2006 and has already been shortlisted as the best designed school in Britain, received a North West Royal Institute of British Architects award (RIBA) and a local Civic Trust award.

The school is designed around a bee-hive concept which provides classrooms and play decks on the same level and a commitment to sustainability.

A roof garden, complete with pond and weather station, is on the second floor for outdoor science and environmental studies.

At the heart of the school there is a flexible social area for dining and for children to interact through the day.