Costumes worn in the Olympics and Paralympics opening ceremonies have a new lease of life after they were donated to Newham schools.

The costumes, which were worn by dancers who performed alongside Rihanna, Coldplay and Annie Lennox have been rescued by Newham Council.

They have been distributed to the borough’s schools and community groups who were invited to a special event at Stratford Circus where the rescued costumes and props were showcased by actors and models to demonstrate the creative ways they could be used.

There were 165 different costumes and props on display in varying quantities with a total of 4,473 items available. The vast majority have already been distributed free to more than 40 schools and community groups who attended the event and put in requests for their preferred items. The remainder will be stored and displayed at future events.

Some of the items on display included:

· White wings worn in the Olympic opening ceremony by 75 riders on ‘dove bikes’ who performed a circuit of the stadium.

· Pirate corsets and bustles worn by dancers in the Annie Lennox section of the Olympic closing ceremony, dancing to Little Bird and entering next to a large pirate ship which carried the singer.

· Oversized books used in the Paralympics opening ceremony in the quest for knowledge and the discovery of gravity.

· Light up leaf jackets worn by actors riding on suspended carousel horses during the summer section of the Paralympic Games closing ceremony.

Sir Robin Wales, Mayor of Newham said: “The 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games ensured the eyes of the world were on Newham. Our athletes, Games Makers and other volunteers did us proud. Along with many individual and team performances in 2012, the Olympic and Paralympic opening and closing ceremonies stand out for many of us as inspirational, awe-inspiring moments.

“One of the major promises of London’s bid for the 2012 Games was that together we would inspire a generation. I hope our outstanding schools and youth groups will find uses for the materials we are distributing for free so they can continue to keep that Olympic and Paralympic promise alive.”