Ted Bean 10

OLYMPIC fever has hit a Potters Bar leisure centre for a second time.

Phoebe Smith 9, Kirsty Parker-Collier 9

Because, once again, an Olympic Torch made a surprise visit to the Furzefield Centre.

Youngsters attending one of the half-term Kiddie Kamps got the opportunity to hold the iconic beacon, which was used in one of the early legs of the Olympic Torch Relay currently making its way around the UK.

This particular example was being looked after by Potters Bar Pc Dean Edwards and Psco Graham Tippett, who picked it up from the Olympic planning department at New Scotland Yard and took it along to the Mutton Lane venue.

The children were delighted to get their hands on it.

Kids with an Olympic torch at the Furzefield Centre

Isabelle Heron, five, said: “It was really cool and gold, I liked holding the torch.”

While Mallika Gray, 11, said: “It was really cool as we got to hold something so significant which marks the beginning of such an important event.”

Kiddie Kamp leader Hannah Donaghy said: “It was a fantastic opportunity for local children to get up close with the Olympic Torch which may be the only opportunity they have to be involved in the Olympics.

“Our thanks must go to Pc Dean Edwards and Pcso Graham Tippett for taking the time to bring the torch in and educate the children about safety on the roads at the same time, the children had a fantastic afternoon.”

Day camp leaders Nicola Sullivan and Matt Lochrie agreed that the occasion was a real treat for the adults, too.

Nicola said: “There was a real buzz in the air for the forthcoming games and it offered the children a unique opportunity to become part of the Olympic legacy.”