YOUNGSTERS at Elmfield Rudolf Steiner School in Stourbridge are busy preparing for the annual Steiner Olympics.

The event, taking place at Michael Hall in Surrey on June 27, celebrates the spirit of the original Olympics in Greece and complements the children’s study of ancient Greece.

Children in class five at Elmfield will be among 400 pupils from around 20 UK and European schools taking part in the Games which will feature events include field events such as javelin and high jump as well as a mini-marathon.

The children, who have been busy making their own togas to wear to compete in various events, will camp for three nights - with the final Games taking place on Saturday June 30.

Preparations for the event were given a boost on June 14 when wheelchair fencer and Olympic torchbearer Matthew Hill, who carried the torch in Cornwall on its first day in the UK, stopped off at Elmfield - giving youngsters chance to see for themselves the real Olympic torch.

Matthew, who hopes to compete at Rio 2016 and who runs a charity (www.mentorsden.co.uk) that mentors young disabled entrepreneurs, gave a talk on success and motivation.

Class teacher Gertraud Soukup said: “The children were very inspired by seeing the torch and all it represents.

“Now they can’t wait to get on with their own version of the Olympics.”