AN East Renfrewshire school welcomed the nation’s favourite PE teacher, Joe Wicks, today as he gave pupils a special workout as part of a nationwide tour.

Joe, who led daily PE sessions to keep youngsters across the country exercising throughout the coronavirus lockdowns, has released his first picture book, The Burpee Bears.

And he dropped into Kirkhill Primary, in Newton Mearns, this morning to do a workout with the children, a special reading of the book and a question-and-answer session.

Pupils at Kirkhill Primary won the visit after Joe was impressed by the school’s video entry to an online competition as part of the nationwide book launch.

Also included in the prize are five signed copies of The Burpee Bears for the school.

Kirkhill Primary headteacher Liz Matthews said: “Our Parent Council worked so hard to put the video entry together, with pupils acting out some of Joe’s best-known moments from his live PE sessions.

"As a school, we loved being involved in PE with Joe during lockdown and it’s been so exciting to welcome him to the school.

"The pupils are inspired by his enthusiasm and positivity and they all thoroughly enjoyed doing a burpee bear workout.”

The Burpee Bears is the first in a series of books which chart the adventures of a bear family, with each featuring a fun and positive story with added exercises and recipes.

Joe said: “I’m so excited to introduce children to the first Burpee Bears adventure.

"My goal is to bring the magic of books and fun exercise together for children – and this is what the Burpee Bear world is all about.”