TWO faded photographs on the wall of Snaresbrook Crown Court have been causing visitors to do a double-take.

The black-and-white shots of an early 20th century P.E. class appear to show children performing Mo Farah’s 'Mobot' celebration and Usain Bolt’s ‘lightning bolt’ made famous during this summer's Olympics.

The moves have been on show in playgrounds and dancefloors across the country since the London Games.

But it appears they were being practiced in Wanstead decades before Farah or Bolt were even born.

Chris Duke, 47, is one of those whose jaw dropped when he saw the pictures on the wall of the court’s lobby.

He said: “Did Usain Bolt and Mo Farah visit east London in the 1940s? It looks like it.

“They are definitely doing the moves in those photos.

“I think Usain Bolt has taken out copyright on his move, if anyone in these photos is still about they might want to have a word with him about that.”

The photos, which are not dated, were taken at the Royal Wanstead School, which once occupied the buildings which now house the court.

The school, which changed its name from the Infant Orphan Asylum in 1938, closed in 1971.

But the Royal Wanstead Children’s Foundation which managed the school still exists as part of the Royal National Children’s Foundation.

Spokeswoman Joanne Power said: “They could have been taken any time between the 20s and the 60s.

“We’ve had a real chuckle looking at them here. They are definitely doing the Mobot and the lightning bolt.

“It does make you wonder.”

Can you shed any light on the photos? Email dsutton@london.newsquest.co.uk or call 07795 316211.

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