Matt Lee and Maren Thurow, who are both year 12 students, were chosen to represent the school after making applications and formal presentations to the Bedfordshire Olympic Opportunities Team (BOOST) Committee at the University of Bedfordshire last month.

Schools across Bedfordshire were invited to submit two applications following an internal selection process. In the final selection phase, 24 Bedfordshire students competed for just 14 places.

The BOOST Selection Committee said: "The standard of presentations was of an extremely high standard and the young people responded well to the interview questions posed by the assessment panel."

BOOST will offer Matt and Maren and the other successful ambassadors training before they travel to the Beijing Olympic Games in China in August.

As ambassadors Matt and Maren will undertake a wide variety of roles and will be expected to help out with community and cultural visits, project work, a post-Beijing presentation at the University of Bedfordshire, presentations to peer groups and other marketing roles.

Prior to their trip to Beijing, the pair will attend a series of development days to prepare them for their exposure to the Chinese culture, including an opportunity to learn some of the language. During their eight days at the Games they will also have the chance to watch some of the Olympic events and sample the amazing Chinese culture.

A spokesman for Vandyke Upper School said: "This is a fantastic achievement by Matt and Maren. Vandyke Upper School is very proud to have two of its students representing the school and the county in what will be a wonderful opportunity."