SPORTY high school students are hoping to put on a medal-worthy performance in front of millions of TV viewers as they lend a hand at the Olympic games.

A team of six Year 11 classmates from St John’s C of E School in Epping have been selected to volunteer at Wembley Arena, where the badminton competition will be taking place.

From July 28, the 16-year-olds – who were nominated for the honour in recognition of their sporting achievements at the Tower Road school – will be sharing the courts with 172 of the world’s best badminton players.

The team was one of only two British groups chosen for the role by the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG). Their duties will include sweeping courts and ensuring the smooth running of the tournament.

PE teacher Gemma Perry, who successfully led the group through the application process, said: “There was an invitation sent out to all schools and clubs around the world to express an interest in being volunteers, so we put ourselves forward.

“It’s such an amazing opportunity for our students to be involved in. They will be on TV more than likely, because it’s at Wembley Arena.”

St John’s already showed its Olympic spirit as the torch relay headed to Essex on July 6 – with retiring head boy Daniel Spillman and head girl Scarlett Scott, 16, selected to carry the flame.

Epping Forest Youth Council member Scarlett ran through Maldon, while Daniel – who was recognised for his voluntary tennis coaching locally and in India – joined the relay through Colchester.