Gold medal-winning swimmer Rebecca Adlington joined hundreds of schoolchildren to make an Olympic splash at an event in Hornchurch.

Pupils from five schools across the borough took part in a new-style exercise class at the Legacy Games Day, part of an initiative aimed at maintaining an enthusiasm for sport created by London 2012.

Set to music, the “Born To Move” exercise scheme is characterised by a wide range of physical activities, and doesn’t split up boys and girls.

Following the event at Hornchurch Sports Centre last Thursday, Rebecca - now retired from competitive swimming - said: “As an athlete I take the promised legacy of London 2012 very seriously.

“Each day I ask myself what can I do? Children at these events want to interact with you and high five you. Making that connection can help make the event and idea of activity more motivating and memorable.

“The London 2012 motto was to ‘inspire a generation’: this Legacy Games Day has done just that and I’m pleased to play my part.

“It’s a small thing for me to do but it has a big impact on the children.”

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