PUPILS from York and North Yorkshire schools took part in the once-in-a-lifetime Olympic opening ceremony in London last night.

Children from York High School in Acomb and Rossett School in Harrogate were at the Olympic park to join other youngsters in a huge parade around the site as an estimated billion viewers world-wide watched on television.

Afterwards, the pupils formed a guard of honour to greet athletes from around the world as they made their way into the Olympic stadium for the parade after the spectacular opening show.

Speaking from outside the stadium yesterday, Gavin Cowley, York High’s deputy head, said he and the eight lucky pupils were getting caught up in the atmosphere of the event.

“It’s absolutely awesome,” he said: “At the moment we are surrounded by thousands of kids and we are right in front of the Olympic stadium. It’s a real carnival atmosphere and it’s starting to feel pretty exciting. The whole scale of the park is amazing.”

The team of eight pupils and two teachers from York High School were selected through the Get Set network, the official London 2012 education programme.

It came about because the school has demonstrated a commitment to living the Olympic and Paralympic values and incorporating them into its school life and curriculum.

The eight pupils taking part yesterday were Josh Embleton, 12, Louis Cade, 13, Katherine Frankham, 12, Sophie Bradley, 14, Callum Fraser, 14, Cameron Barker, 14, Charlotte Sloan, 14 and Sophie Blomfield, 13.