OLYMPIC bronze medal winner Kristian Thomas stopped off at Merry Hill as part of the centre’s Rascalfest for kids.

The London 2012 star gymnast, who trains at Earls Gymnastics Club in Halesowen, put in an appearance at the event last Friday (August 17) and Saturday August 18.

Kristian started the mascot race at the event which attracted thousands of families and which also included fairground rides, zoo animals, storytelling sessions, sports activities and TV characters including Bubblepops, CBeebies’ Mike the Knight, and Nick Jr’s Ben and Holly.

The following Tuesday (August 22) the 23-year-old was honoured with a civic reception by the Mayor of Dudley, councillor Melvyn Mottram, at his Halesowen club in Furnace Lane.