Teenagers were taken for a wild ride over whirling rapids as the Lee Valley White Water Centre Schools Festival took place, yesterday.

Students from the Lammas School in Leyton were among the 500 who were given the chance to try water sports for free.

Schools from every borough and district in London, Essex and Hertfordshire were invited to the Olympic 2012 venue.

In fact, it was on the same rapids that Team GB won gold and silver in the canoe slalom event almost three years ago.

2015 ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships medal hopefuls Etienne Stott, Mallory Franklin, Adam Burgess and Mark Proctor joined the students.

Derrick Ashley, Chairman of Lee Valley Regional Park Authority said: “Since 2011, when the centre opened, the annual Schools Festivals at Lee Valley White Water Centre have given thousands of young people the chance to try white water rafting for free and we’re proud to provide these opportunities.

“Ten years on from the announcement of London’s successful bid and three years after hosting the London 2012 Canoe Slalom event Lee Valley White Water is a shining example of a successful sporting legacy.”

The Schools Festival was hosted by Lee Valley Regional Park Authority in partnership with the venue operators Lee Valley Leisure Trust.

Extreme white water activities at the centre include kayaking, canoeing, hydrospeeding and hot dog sessions.