Hackney's young talent was on show at a gala evening at the Hackney Empire

Meg attended the Hackney Primary school Olympic Ambassadors presentation evening as part of Hackney's Olympic celebrations. Entertainment was provided by the Kingsmead School Steel Pans (pictured) and St Dominic's school street dancers - both schools brought the house down which is no mean feat in the Hackney Empire. Special guests included former Olympic medallists, future hopefuls from Hackney in weightlifting and table tennis and a range of celebrities including Radio 1 Xtra DK Tim Westood and comedian and actor the hilarious Kat B. The Speaker of Hackney Cllr Jessica Webb, who represents the Olympic ward of Hackney Wick, formally opened the evening.

Over the last year two children from 51 Hackney primary schools have been involved in workshops, visits and events to celebrate the Olympics. They have produced a website, two Olympic songs, a book, a magazine and a fashion collection. They would then report back to their full school on what they had been doing.

"It was an inspirational event," said Meg. "Not only did we see some very talented young people but the excitement about the Olympics coming to Hackney and the window on the world this opened for Hackney's school children was palpable. Afterwards parents were telling me what a difference the programme had made for their children.

"Any Olympic cynic would have become an enthusiast if they had been there. A generation has been inspired. We now need to work to ensure that the jobs we need to see on the Olympic site arrive and are available to Hackney residents."