THE Olympics have come early to Upton Infants School where pupils took part in their own torch relay and opening ceremony.

The youngsters proudly paraded 30 hand-made Olympic torches on a mile-long route around the streets of Upton – with parents cheering them on – before converging on the school for an opening ceremony with speeches and singing.

Dressed in the Olympic colours they formed the interlinking rings of the Olympic symbol.

The school is holding events every day this week to celebrate Olympic values such as respect, equality, friendship, courage and determination.

These include a sponsored sport challenge to raise money for Row To Recovery, a charity for injured soldiers. A closing ceremony, with displays for parents, will conclude the events.

Head teacher Nigel Helm said: “We had a really nice big turn out from parents and there was a fantastic atmosphere – a feeling of community togetherness.

“The children are very excited about the Olympics – for some of them it’s the first Olympics they’ve really experienced.”

And just like the real event, the torch marked the start of their sporting week, demonstrating the first value of friendship.

An inspirational “Challenge for Charity” saw each class decide on their own sponsored event, raising funds for the designated charity, which helps to rehabilitate injured servicemen and women.

Equality included a Paralympic sports workshop, respect will give the youngsters the chance to design and make their own Olympic medal, plus a martial arts workshop.

And Olympic Week will end on Friday with courage and determination when they will write their own poems and demonstrate slack line/tight line ropework for their parents.

Those who achieve “gold” will earn a sticker to proudly sport on their “I’m an Upton Olympian” badges.