Primary school pupils got the chance to try out the new facilities at a �240,000 revamped athletics track in Maida Vale.

Year 3 and 6 pupils from St Saviour’s Primary School, Shirland Road, Little Venice, sprinted around the Paddington Recreation Ground track, where athletics legend Sir Roger Bannister once trained for his four minute mile.

The work on the track, which has been closed for development over the summer, was backed by double gold medallist Mo Farah.

He said: “Central London getting a new running track is great news for athletes of the future.

“The London Olympic Games will inspire a whole new generation of potential sportsmen and women and it is good to see Westminster Council leading the way in bringing important new facilities to the heart of the capital.”

The track will an international standard running track up and top quality facilities for field events.

It will be available for free casual use and coaching sessions, as well as providing a spot for schools to train and hold sports days.

The Marathon Trust provided �130,000 for the project, while The London Mayor’s Legacy Fund gave �44,000 and the remainder was met by Westminster Council.