Schoolchildren will form a guard of honour to line the route for Olympic athletes making their way into the stadium for the 2012 Games opening ceremony.

The Holy Cross School pupils will wave flags, banners and lanterns alongside 2,000 other students from 249 schools from across the country to welcome the 204 competing teams.

The New Malden school, which is part of the London 2012 education programme, Get Set Network, have been chosen to support athletes from Togo and have been learning about the country and culture in preparation for the event.

Year 9 pupil Ellie Collins said: “I am really looking forward to seeing all the athletes and cheering them on their way to the ceremony. “I am particularly looking forward to seeing the athletes from Togo as my class created a display for the school after researching their Olympic history. “It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I am honoured to be playing such an important role in welcoming the athletes to London.”

As well as cheering on the athletes during the parade from the Olympic village to the stadium, the children will get the chance to tour the Olympic park on Friday, July 27.

Chairman of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, 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 putting young people at the heart of the Games.

“For athletes, the guard of honour will provide a stunning welcome and the perfect curtain raiser for the athletes’ parade.”