Even the easy parts of being London’s mayor can prove taxing at times, Boris Johnson found after failing to cut a ceremonial ribbon at a school last week.

During a visit to Hall School Wimbledon on Wednesday, February 22, Mr Johnson was unable to use a Roman sword to its desired effect at the opening of a new playground.

After the private school's headteacher Tim Hobbs instead handed Mr Johnson an everyday pair of scissors, Mr Johnson was able to complete the opening of 'The Levels'.

He was then presented by a whistle from the school’s children so he could signal the beginning of playtime.

The headteacher, Tim Hobbs, said: “I am very grateful to City Hall for their help and support on this special occasion.

"It was a wonderful event and Hall School Wimbledon couldn’t have been more delighted to welcome the affable Mayor of London.

“I am thrilled to see this project – the construction of The Levels – come to fruition. Essentially, this new area is both an adjunct to our physical education programme and a training ground for, and tribute to, the school’s strong climbing tradition.”

Mr Johnson also inaugurated Sapna’s Way, a newly laid path dedicated to the memory of Sapnia Haria, a pupil who tragically died in 2007.

Flanked by Richard Tracey, Merton and Wandsworth’s Assembly Member, Mr Johnson was then greeted by a group of Year 11 pupils who confidently welcomed him in Latin.

Mr Johnson, himself fluent in the ancient language having studied it at Eton, has previously said more state schools should include Latin on the curriculum.

Got a story for us? Call 020 8722 6333, tweet @WimbledonNews or email: newsdesk@wimbledonguardian.co.uk.