RAINBOWS in Alveston have been keeping a stringent fitness regime in the hope of scooping the latest Girlguiding Olympic badges.

The little girls from 1st Alveston Rainbows got into the London 2012 spirit last week, trying a new sport, exercising and even designing their very own sports kits to complete the organisation's four Olympic badge challenges appropriately named On Your Marks, Sports, Cultures and Values.

To gain the On your marks badge, the girls had to "turn off the TV at home" and get moving instead and keep a record of all the fruit they ate in a week.

To be awarded the Sports badge, the Rainbows had to learn about the early Olympics, create a mascot and invent a new sport, make a torch and even grow their own pumpkins and peas.

Leader Sara Messenger said: "I hope the girls have had lots of fun while completing their challenges but have also learned something about team spirit too."

To bring the importance of the Olympics closer to home, the wannabe Olympians were shown pictures of three local heroes: Guider Karen Butler, who competed in the Paralympic Games, a Bradley Stoke Guide who carried the Olympic torch, and leader Chloe Messenger’s relative, Gemma Fletcher, a Team GB netball player.