Year 2 pupils at Bristol Grammar School were lucky enough to get the chance to hold a real Olympic torch when Alison Harris, torch bearer 29 on the Olympic relay, brought hers in for the class to see. After watching a video of Alison carrying the torch through West Charlton on day two of the relay, she told the children all about the torch and how she felt about carrying it.

The children learnt lots of interesting facts: the torch has 8,000 holes in it, to reflect the 8,000 miles it will travel around the UK and the 8,000 bearers who will carry it; it has three sides, as 2012 will be London’s third time as the Olympic host city, and to reflect the three elements of the Olympic motto (Faster, Higher, Stronger); and that the torch has been nicknamed the cheese grater because of its holey appearance!

There were lots of questions from the children too, ranging from “How were you chosen to carry it?” (answer: nominated by her employer, Lloyds TSB in recognition of her community work as a Brownie and Guide leader) to “How many races are there in the Olympics?”. The latter may have stumped Alison, but she was able to tell the class that there are 29 sports and there is a special Olympic 50p coin collection, with one for each sport. The class are going to see how many different ones they can collect before the end of term.

After question time, it was out to the garden for photos along with the chance to hold the torch – an amazing opportunity for Year 2 (and their teachers!).

Many thanks to Alison Harris for taking the time to come and talk to us, and bringing her Olympic torch.