School pupils from Watford and St Albans helped form a guard of honour for some of the world’s finest athletes at Friday’s Olympic opening ceremony.
Eight schools in Hertfordshire were among 250 selected for their commitment to Olympic and Paralympic values.
Each school "adopted" a country to support, making lanterns and banners which they waved as the 10,500 athletes paraded into the Olympic Stadium.
Pupils from Watford’s Francis Combe Academy represented Burundi, Fleetville Junior School in St Albans backed Liechtenstein, Newberries Primary School in Radlett represented the Cook Islands and The Russell School in Chorleywood supported Kiribati.
LOCOG chairman Seb Coe said: "The presence of so many young people at the start of the Olympic Games opening ceremony will continue to show London 2012’s commitment to put young people at the heart of the games.
"For athletes, the guard of honour will provide a stunning welcome to the Games and the perfect curtain raiser for the athletes’ parade."
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