Over 800 children from 11 schools took part in the last event of a national triathlon competition.

The Tata Kids of Steel series took place on Monday at Newham Leisure Centre, Prince Regent Lane, and saw the eight to 13-year-olds swim, cycle and run the distance from London and the next Olympic host city Rio de Janeiro as part of the 2012 Olympic legacy.

The contest marked the final event in a 12 part series which has seen up to 10,000 youngsters across the country, between June and September, compete in the challenge which aims to encourage children to adopt a healthier lifestyle through sport and exercise.

The series has enabled more than 50,000 children to participate in the sport of triathlon since it was launched by Tata and the British Triathlon Federation in 2007.

Sytske Seyffert, Tata Steel director of corporate communications and public affairs, said: “This is the seventh year we have worked alongside the British Triathlon Federation to organise Tata Kids of Steel, and it is a series we are very proud of.

“Our event in Newham enables children to have a fantastic day out while participating in sport.”