THE SPIRIT of the Olympics past and present visited primary school children on Monday, as the official 1948 torch passed through the borough.

The iconic torch was passed on to pupils from Al-noor Primary School by their peers from Barking and Dagenham, when they met in Goodmayes Park, Green Lane, Goodmayes.

It was then carried to Goodmayes Primary School, Airthrie Road, Goodmayes, before embarking on a route that took in Mayespark Primary School, South Park Primary School,

SS Peter & Paul’s Catholic Primary School, Winston Way Primary School and Cleveland Junior School.

Chris Lamb, deputy headteacher of Mayespark Primary School, Goodmayes Lane, Goodmayes, said: “It was very exciting.

“We got the whole school out to receive it and then eight children walked it to South Park Primary School.

“They were very excited and learned what it meant when it was used in 1948.

“There were lots of conversations about how long ago that was and they were understanding that something like this probably won’t happen again in their lifetime.

“Everyone was clapping and they really understood the significance of it.”

The torch procession was also part of the Big Walk Once a Week campaign, which is aimed at getting more children heading out to school on foot.