An Olympic sprinter joined members of Trowbridge Youth Parliament to unveil a mosaic tribute to this summer’s Games.

All 20 Trowbridge area schools worked with artist Anita Andrews, of Colerne, to create the mosaic, each making a panel depicting an Olympic sport and their name.

Last Friday the mosaic, which runs along the bandstand arch in Trowbridge Park, was unveiled with sprinter Danny Talbot, a former St Augustine’s pupil.

The Youth Parliament had been working on the mosaic project since December 2011. It had to secure a site, liaise with the planning department, apply for funds, agree on fundraising activities and commission an artist. Design and craft sessions were held in schools between April and July.

Caitlin Thacker, a Year 9 pupil at Clarendon College and Youth Parliament chairman for 2011/12, said: “I think it was good to get everyone involved and be creative.

“The Olympics were the talk of the summer. I didn’t actually think I would get to meet Danny; it was an honour to have a picture with him.”

Mr Talbot, 21, gave a speech before cutting the ribbon and said: “I think it’s brilliant. This is what it’s all about.

“It’s about creating a legacy and inspiring a generation and, hopefully, we’ve been able to do that. “We’re not going to create Olympic champions overnight, but it’s just about getting kids into sport.”

He had been invited to the ceremony by his former St Augustine’s PE teacher, Rob Pitcher, and added: “It’s a great honour. He’s a big reason I’m doing athletics. He got me into football and then athletics and now I’m here; it’s fantastic.”

Along the top of the mosaic are the words, “Equality, determination, respect, inspiration, courage, excellence, friendship,” to reflect Olympic values Jayne Bullock, the collaborative schools co-ordinator, said: “The mosaic project has allowed every school within Trowbridge to create a lasting legacy of the Olympic and Paralympics year that can be enjoyed by the whole community.

“The students’ passion, talent and dedication in creating this artwork has been inspiring and will, hopefully, continue to raise aspirations for years to come.”.

Trowbridge mayor Councillor John Knight said: “This mosaic is a beautiful piece of work, representing the community, the inspirational Olympic values and providing a reminder of what can be achieved through the realisation of hard work and aspiration.”