WHEN so many people struggled unsuccessfully to acquire even one ticket for the Olympics, this lucky group from Lincoln diocese obtained no less than 20 to see the athletics in the Olympic Stadium on 9 August, that included the exciting final stages of the men's decathlon pole vault.

Fifteen youngsters and five leaders from the E1W (Everyone Welcome) youth club at St Mary's, Barton-upon-Humber, had been fund-raising for tickets for two years, and their dream was realised when the tickets arrived on 23 June. The Associate Priest, the Revd Alan Wright (third from left in front row), is still not clear how they did it; but, he says, the adults were as excited as the young people, and there were many "wow" moments.

With the help of the Sports Chaplaincy UK network, they made contact with St John's, Blackheath, and spent two nights there - a contact that they hope they will be able to keep up with reciprocal visits, as part of the "Games legacy".

The picture shows the group outside St John's with their banner, with the Vicar of St John's, the Revd Peter Farley-Moore, at the back, far right, and the Vicar of Barton, the Revd David Rowett, at the back, far left.