Students made their way across the River Orwell to collect the Paralympic torch to cheers and applause.

On Thursday morning, pupils at Chelmondiston Church of England Primary School lined the bank of the river in anticipation, ready to welcome the group, and the torch, as it made its way from Nacton Primary School.

The Paralympic Torch, from London 2012, is on a journey from school to school, visiting all 21 members of the St Edmundsbury and Ipswich Diocesan Multi-Academy Trust.

Chelmondiston is the 13th school to welcome the torch so far.

The task was carried out by four lucky pupils whose names had been drawn from a hat.

The students piled into a rib boat along with their headteacher, Lesley Etchingham and Nigel Hume of Neptune Sailing, and made their way across the river to retrieve their prize.

Ipswich Star: The students were excited to receive the Paralympic torch. Image: Charlotte BondThe students were excited to receive the Paralympic torch. Image: Charlotte Bond (Image: Charlotte Bond)Ipswich Star: The Paralympic torch is handed over. Image: Charlotte BondThe Paralympic torch is handed over. Image: Charlotte Bond (Image: Charlotte Bond)Ipswich Star: The children and Mrs Echingham set off, ready to retrieve the torch. Image: Charlotte BondThe children and Mrs Echingham set off, ready to retrieve the torch. Image: Charlotte Bond (Image: Charlotte Bond)Ipswich Star: The children come back, proudly holding the Paralympic torch aloft. Image: Charlotte BondThe children come back, proudly holding the Paralympic torch aloft. Image: Charlotte Bond (Image: Charlotte Bond)Ipswich Star: Students cheer their schoolmates on, excited to catch a glimpse of the Paralympic torch. Image: Charlotte BondStudents cheer their schoolmates on, excited to catch a glimpse of the Paralympic torch. Image: Charlotte Bond (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Waiting for them at Nacton shore were representations from Felixstowe and Holbrook Coast Guards, who added to the excitement with sirens and flashing lights to the delight of the children.

“It gave a real sense of occasion,” said Mrs Etchingham. “On the other side of the river were some Year Six pupils from Nacton, holding up this big flag.”

The children then proudly held the torch aloft all the way back to Pin Mill.

“We had all of Key Stage 2 at the sailing club waiting, and we could hear them all cheering and clapping,” said Mrs Etchingham. When the delegate arrived, the students took part in a relay, passing the torch from person to person, as would happen in the Paralympics.

Mrs Etchingham said that this has been a fun and engaging way of opening up conversations with the students about diversity and overcoming obstacles.