A GROUP of local sports enthusiasts were treated to a display of world class sport last weekend, as they paid a visit to the Olympic Park in London.

The Okehampton Otters attended the British Gas Swimming Championships, the UK Olympic swimming qualifying event, which took place in the Olympic Park's Aquatic Centre last weekend.

Eighty eight of the club's members travelled by coach to the capital, staying overnight in a hostel before the event.

The group watched swimmers competing for places in three qualifying sessions, for both the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The club got to see swimmers like 2008 double gold medallist Rebecca Adlington, Exeter's 50 metre backstroke world record holder Liam Tancock, and 2008 Paralympic gold medallist Ellie Simmonds qualify for their events.

One of the Otters also had a brush with fame at the event, as 12 year old Angus Cunningham was interviewed by the BBC. Angus' picture was put up on the big screen as he was interviewed, and told the interviewer about the great experience of visiting the Aquatics Centre, and which swimmers he was looking forward to seeing.

Rob Ewen, chairman of the Otters said: 'The trip has been truly inspirational for the young swimmers and parents alike. This is the moment when the real benefits of hosting the London 2012 Olympics shines a small spotlight on Okehampton.

'It's been the opportunity of a lifetime for all of us.'

While the group could not explore most of the Olympic Park due to security, they did enjoy a visit to the View Tube, a social enterprise and community venue located on the Greenway adjacent to the Olympic Park.

It offers panoramic views of the Olympic Park, and an education centre revealing the history of the park and how it has been shaped since the 2012 Games were awarded to London back in 2005.

David Rickwood is a fundraiser for the Otters, and took part in the trip.

He said: 'The trip was really great. It was especially good for the kids, as it was a really inspiring trip for them.

'Getting to see Olympic gold medallists and, hopefully, future medallists compete was a really amazing thing.

'Also seeing the Paralympians compete put a different dimension on it for the children, and the whole event was truly inspiring.

'The Aquatics Centre really is something else.

'It was truly spectacular, there's not much else to say.

'The architecture is absolutely breathtaking, and once the temporary awnings come off the side of the buildings, the curvature of the roof will be fully revealed and it will look unbelievable.'