THESE six children were the cream of the trainee cyclists.

Old Marston Secondary School’s first course of cycle training in 1962 produced 73 passes.

Thirty of the young cyclists received pennants for gaining pass marks of 90 or more out of 100.

The six pictured right with Alderman Frank Wise, chairman of Oxfordshire Road Safety Committee, had earned the highest marks and were going to London as guests of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents.

Presenting the awards, Alderman Wise said he was impressed at the high standard the school had achieved.

He told the children that as a magistrate, he spent much time listening to accounts of cycling accidents, and even watching some of the young people coming into court on crutches.

He added: “With more care and the right training, I believe 50 per cent of them would not have accidents.”