High achieving students will be enjoying ringside view of the Games afer Newham College gave away more than 400 tickets.

The College offered tickets donated by Olympic authorities to students whose teachers have recognised them as achievers.

Students spoke of their excitement about their chance of experiencing an historical event that has benefited the local community.

For one student, Samantha Frederick, from Manor Park, her pair of volleyball tickets tops off an eventful year.

Samantha has found work at the Crowne Plaza, Canary Wharf after doing a training course developed by the College and the global conglomerate, International Hotel Group (IHG).

She was given tickets along with a colleague, Cheryl Howe, after they had both won awards for being outstanding Newham College and IHG trainees.

She said: “I’m excited and honoured to get these tickets. It’ll be an experience I can tell my grandchildren.

“As a Newham College student, the tickets are a bonus. What is also an honour is having been taught by some amazing teachers.”

The Imam of Romford Road’s Minhaj-ul-Quran Mosque, Muhammad Sadiq, collected handball tickets with his student daughter, Aisha.

He said: “I feel proud that we have been given tickets. We pray and hope that it will be a successful and peaceful event. As a religious leader, it’s my duty to support such activities that provides encouragement to the country.”

Deputy principal Janak Patel commented: “Newham College is proud to have students and staff who are contributing to these games.

“I would also like to thank LOCOG for ensuring that local people are actively participating in these wonderful events.”