This lot must have been paddling mad to take on the white water rapids at Lee Valley.

The students from Caterham High School, Caterham Avenue, Clayhall, went on the white knuckle ride at the White Water Centre on Monday.

Their visit was part of the third annual school festival aiming to encourage people to give rafting a go after the success of Team GB’s at the Olympics.

Shaun Dawson, chief executive of the park, said: “The Games and the athletes who took part have proved to be inspirational to young people and terrific role models.”

Caterham High School represented Redbridge at the event organised by the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority.

Mr Dawson said: “The schools festival enables us to engage with the community and give students a taste for what happened on their doorstep last year.”