Pupils from a Thurrock school made waves as they took to the water for Lee Valley Regional Park Authority’s annual Schools Festival.

William Edwards School, in Grays, joined more than 450 secondary school students from London, Hertfordshire and Essex to ride down the white water rapids of the Olympic run at Lee Valley White Water Centre, at the centre’s seventh annual Schools Festival.

Following in the trail of top athletes who have trained and competed at the iconic venue, more than 50 schools tried their hand at white water rafting for free.

They experienced rafting down the centre’s thrilling 300m long Olympic Standard Competition Course - which pumps out more than 13,000 litres of water per second - which was the same course where Team GB won gold and silver in the Canoe Slalom Events at London 2012.

Since the festival began in 2011, almost 3,500 young people have experienced rafting during the Lee Valley White Water Centre Schools Festival, which 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.

Paul Osborn, Chairman of Lee Valley Regional Park Authority, said: “The 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, with it being part of our Olympic legacy work.

“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.”

FitzWimarc School, from Rayleigh, also took part in the festival which proved hugely successful.

During the day, pupils also had an opportunity to try a variety of other activities.

They tackled sports such as beach tennis, volleyball and beach soccer (on a brand new beach that recently hosted an England v Germany international match) – which was on offer from the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation.

They also tried their hand at canoeing and cycling.

Young people also tested some of the new inflatable attractions coming soon to the venue, in advance of the opening of a new Beach & Play Park on July 22.

This will include a new paid for area with giant inflatable attractions for families to enjoy.