Excited schoolchildren opened the Olympic Games, in spirit anyway, in a musical ceremony last week.

Students from Burhill, Chandlersfield, Cleves and the Orchard were joined by Olympic runners in a spectacular event organised by the Voice Education Trust (VET).

Annette Calver, headteacher of Burhill and chairwoman of the VET, said: “It gave the children a first-hand experience that they can relate to when they watch the London Olympics.”

Each armed with an Olympic torch, the four schools put on a unique show, featuring cheerleading, African dance, gymnastics and judo, to mark the start of the Olympic season.

Mrs Calver said: “It was a first class experience for them that was memorable, in which every child there played a part.”