Olympic torchbearer Dean Parsons, better known as AFC Wimbledon’s mascot, Haydon the Womble, embarked on a tour of Merton’s primary schools this week to show the children the Olympic torch and talk about his London 2012 experience.

The tour kicked off at Gorringe Park Primary School on Thursday where pupils greeted him and took photos of Dean in his torchbearer uniform holding the torch. They also got to hear about his experience as a games-maker during London 2012.

Merton Council cabinet member for education, Councillor Martin Whelton, said: “After the euphoria and celebration of the summer Olympics, it was fantastic for our younger generation to see the torch and for them to have a chance to speak with Dean. Many of our younger generation watched the torch come through Merton in July, and hopefully the Olympics will inspire our children to get more involved in sports and community activities.”

Dean Parsons said: “I thoroughly enjoyed being a torchbearer and games-maker. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity and an experience I’d like to share with the community. I’m delighted to be able to take the Olympic torch to our local schools – they appreciate it more than anyone.”

ENDS