Schoolchildren cycled in the tracks of Olympians during an exclusive coaching session at the Lee Valley VeloPort.

The inaugural Schools Festival saw pupils from Cumberland School and Curwen School, both in Plaistow, BMX, road cycle, mountain bike and pedal around the velodrome.

Younger pupils headed to the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre to play “Quicksticks” - a fun four-a-side hockey game - and MiniTennis.

Helping to fulfil the London 2012 legacy promise to “inspire a generation”, the four-day programme gave 700 schoolchildren from across the capital the chance to enjoy sport for free in some of the iconic Olympic venues.

Simone Laidlow, Cumberland School’s partnership development manager, said: “It’s been a great opportunity for our students to experience the four disciplines of cycling, in a London 2012 venue, which is on their doorstep.

“They were really excited, especially when they walked into the velodrome. It’s a really special place for them to come to.

Students from London boroughs and districts in Hertfordshire and Essex were invited to take part.

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