Schoolchildren cheered and jumped with joy as they welcomed Barnet’s very own Olympic torch into the borough today.

Children carried the torch, which has been made by Middlesex University students, from The Compton School in Finchley to Queenswell Junior School in Whetstone.

Ten Queenswell pupils took turns holding the torch as they walked a circuit along Queensway Avenue and Oakleigh Road North with the rest of their school.

Nine-year-old Ama Nkansah said: “It was really exciting and fun holding the torch. I felt proud.”

Nasir Omar, 11, had been practising at home in preparation for the big day. He said: “It was amazing – people were cheering for us on the streets. I felt really proud of myself.”

Pupils were chosen from every year group for showing special Olympic qualities including determination, friendship, courage and respect.

Torchbearer Cassius Marshall, 10, said: “It feels really good that our teachers chose us individually for being good.

“It was an honour to hold the torch and to run with it and see all my friends cheering us on.”

The school has also been getting into the spirit of the Games in the classroom.

Sheila Davidson, PE coordinator at Queenswell, said: “The children have been learning all about the Olympics and about the history of the torch and what it represents.

“In ancient times it represented light and life and now it’s used as a unifying symbol, with everyone coming together to celebrate the Olympics.

“Today is part of their learning journey. It's been really enjoyable and the children are so proud.”

At midday All Saints’ Primary School pupils Holly Charles, 11, and Sam Mohammed, 11, arrived to pick-up the torch as it continues its journey across Barnet.

The relay will involve a total of eleven schools throughout the week and will finish at The Hyde School in Hendon on Friday, June 29.

During the closing event children from The Hyde will be invited to try a number of Olympic themed sports including tennis, athletics and hockey.