Southend school feature on official London 2012 mascot song

The children feature on the song 'On a Rainbow' alongside Tom Fletcher, lead singer and guitarist from pop rock band McFly.

Derek Jarvis, Southend Council's Executive Councillor for Culture and Tourism, said: "This is such a fantastic song and something that is very inspirational for young people in the country.

"I was delighted to hear that West Leigh Junior School had been chosen to participate and proud to know that they have been involved in making Olympic history, not only for their School but for Southend and Essex."

Councillor Stephen Castle, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Education and the 2012 Games, said: "Once again the people of Essex are showing their support and enthusiasm for the 2012 Games and the pupils here are no exception.

"Essex is already a Host County for the Games and with so many communities getting behind celebrations leading up to the Olympics, the children's involvement in this song, will showcase, not only the talent of the County but the passion the youth of Essex have in bringing the Games closer to home.

"Their participation in this song will be a reminder that the Olympic spirit will stay in Essex long after the Games."

The song, written by Tom Fletcher and featuring his sister Carrie, is based on Wenlock and Mandeville's journey to the London 2012 Games and the young people they meet along the way. It is available to download now from iTunes.

The children were invited to a recording session back in February, after producer Jason Perry, whose children go to the West Leigh School , was asked at short notice to find a children's choir.

Headteacher Cheryl Woolf said: "It was all a bit last-minute, but we were able to arrange for the children to go because their parents were so supportive of what they were doing.

"It's such a lovely thing for them to have done and I'm so proud they have done it."