Even the traditional British weather couldn't dampen the spirits of the hundreds of youngsters from Lambeth and Streatham who played their part in London's very own youth Olympics last weekend.

The London Heathrow Youth games, now in its 21st year, is the largest youth sports event in Europe, with more contestants than the Olympic Games.

And although both the Southwark and Lambeth teams finished some way off the medals - in 16th and 31st place - both teams played their part in the biggest and best games yet.

Thankfully the terrible conditions didn't stop 20,000 children aged between eight and 19 years old representing each of London's 33 boroughs at the Crystal Palace Sports Centre.

Youngsters took part in 50 sports ranging from angling and weightlifting to tennis and showjumping.

And though, just like the Olympics, the games are about taking part, three Lambeth youngsters - Elicia Gayle (10), Corrine Ladiende (14) and Richard Woathene (17) - showed their fighting skills in a tough competition.

The karate kids from Lambeth, who all fight for the Renshinkai Southern Academy in Streatham, took a gold and two silvers despite fighting against opponents with higher grades.

After three days of gruelling finals competition, Havering eventually emer-ged victorious, beating Redbridge into second place.

The Games have acted as a springboard to success for many of England's top athletes. No doubt this is what egged on everyone present to make it an impressive spectacle.

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