The College won the chance to be the recipient of Mandeville’s first visit on its two year journey around the country - meeting new people and trying new sports - by entering a competition through Get Set, the official London 2012 education programme.

The sports-based festival was organised by students at the College as part of its new leadership programme and more than 1,000 pupils from local primary and secondary schools were invited to take part and share in the fun.

Mandeville awarded certificates to students and pupils before joining in the ‘warm up’ as they prepared to compete in a variety of sporting activities. Students from the College also acted as mentors to 80 volunteers from the local secondary schools who helped out on the day.

Sebastian Coe, London 2012 Chair, said: ‘I know Wenlock and Mandeville are incredibly excited to begin their journey around the UK by visiting Hereford and live the Olympic and Paralympic values. Our mascots were designed to inspire young people and connect them to the power of sport, whilst celebrating our proud Olympic and Paralympic history.’

David Moorcroft, Chair of the West Midlands Leadership Group for the 2012 Games said: “Students at Hereford Sixth Form College were delighted to welcome Mandeville to the Hereford Youth Games and to be the first to welcome Mandeville to the West Midlands.

“Initiatives such as Get Set and our regional volunteering programme, ‘Volunteers – We Need You!’ are just two ways that people of all ages in the West Midlands can get involved now with, and be inspired by London 2012.”

To find out more about Wenlock and Mandeville and how to invite them to your college, click here.