STUDENTS from Bournemouth schools have joined forces for a torch relay to celebrate this summer’s Olympic games in Brazil.

Youngsters from Carter Community School began the event by carrying the torch from Shore Road to Bournemouth Pier before passing it on to Bournemouth Collegiate School students.

The torch was then carried to Southbourne and handed to pupils at Glenmoor and Winton Academies, who covered the final leg to Kings Park Athletics Centre before beginning their sports day.

James Coop, who is in year seven at Bournemouth Collegiate School, made the torch.

The relay was held as part of the Spirit of Rio festival run by United Learning.

Launched at London’s Olympic Park earlier this month, the four-week festival will see pupils and staff in United Learning’s schools and academies across the country taking part in a series of activities and events to raise funds for charity Action for Brazil’s Children (ABC Trust).

In addition to the relay, students at the Bournemouth schools will host a range of activities, from a sports day featuring track and field events at Carter Community School to Brazilian-themed lessons and a carnival-style opening ceremony at Winton and Glenmoor Academies.

Director of Bournemouth Collegiate School Richard Harrison-Poole said: “We feel very privileged to have taken part in the organisation and running of this fantastic inter-school event and congratulations to all those who took part.”

Sam Davidson, principal at Carter Community School, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for all three schools to come together and celebrate all of the different elements that make up the Olympic spirit.”