OLYMPIC triple jumper Larry Achike took gold with local schoolchildren when he turned up to open their new cycle storage area.

Larry was the special guest at a Bike it Breakfast event at Wood End JMI School in Yeoman’s Avenue, Harpenden, which was aimed at encouraging more youngsters to pedal to school.

And it certainly worked on the day itself with around 150 children turning up on bikes or scooters to support the event which was organised by Sustrans, the UK charity promoting safe cycling to schools to help ease congestion in residential areas.

Year Five teacher Dan Barron also had a prominent role to play on the morning as he runs the school’s “cycle bus”

There was a special treat for children who turned up early with their bikes – breakfast was laid on for them by staff at the school – and a draw to win a new bike donated by Islabikes which was won by Year 3 pupil Keira Halkyard.

Head teacher Diane John said: “Wood End School is committed to ensuring all our pupils can travel to and from school as safely as possible. With the support of staff, pupils, parents and carers, we believe that it will be possible to make journeys to and from school healthier, more enjoyable and, most importantly, safer for all concerned.”