Olympic gold medalist Duncan Goodhew today helped launch a new scheme to get every Havering primary school pupil to walk, jog or run 50 miles over a year.

Mr Goodhew, who won the 100 metre breaststroke at the 1980 Olympic Games, made an appearance at Ceme (the Centre for Engineering and Manufacturing Excellence) in Rainham this morning to speak about the Golden Mile programme – which aims to get 15,000 local schoolchildren on their feet.

School sports partnership the Havering Sports Collective is working with coaching company Premier Sport to get the Golden Mile rolled out across the borough, encouraging students to work toward the 50 mile target using competitions, rewards and engagement with parents.

Premier Sport ambassador Mr Goodhew said: “The Golden Mile is simple, effective and accessible to all schools, children and parents. It really is an innovative and interesting project that is embraced by both children and schools.”

Chris Pipe, area and sport coordinator for Premier Sport, said: “We are delighted to be partnering the Havering Sports Collective to provide such a large-scale opportunity into schools within the local community. By joining forces we believe we can achieve lasting legacy by utilising the Golden Mile.

“Having Duncan involved in the project is great as he is the perfect role model to inspire children of all abilities to get fit and have fun.”