Wimbledon school pupils have tackled a white-knuckle ride at the Olympic rapids.

Pupils from Ursuline High School in Merton went to the Lee Valley White Water Centre in Waltham Cross on Wednesday (July 12) for the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority’s annual Schools Festival.

The event saw over 450 students from London, Hertfordshire and Essex try their hand at rafting on the 300m long Olympic Standard Competition Course.

Paul Osborn, xhairman of Lee Valley Regional Park Authority said: “Today’s Schools Festival gives children the chance to try white water rafting for free at this truly inspirational venue where Olympic history was made.

“We have funded Schools Festivals every year since 2011 as part of our Olympic legacy work - and we know that they provide the first experience of this adrenalin sport for most of the pupils who come from every corner of London, Essex and Hertfordshire.”

Team GB won gold and silver at the course in the Canoe Slalom Events at London 2012. A huge 13,000 litres of water rush down the rapids every second.

Not all the days activities were so hair-raising. Pupils could also take part in beach tennis, volleyball and beach soccer.

The festival is funded by Lee Valley Regional Park Authority, in partnership with Vibrant Partnerships, as part of their commitment to deliver a sustainable legacy from London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.