They will be flown to London by British Airways, a sponsor of the 2012 Olympics and supporter of Radio Clyde Cash for Kids, and will take in one of the Games' most enthralling sports – track cycling – at the Velodrome venue.

The teenagers – Nicole Rennie, Shannon Miller, Jordan Robertson, Taylor McDevitt, Lauren McEnroy, Lisa Walker and Daniel O'Hear – are all part of the Active East project, which encourages young people to lead active lives.

The group is funded by The Robertson Trust, a Scottish grant-making trust which provides support to charities in the fields of care, health, education and training and community art and sport.

One of the seven, Shannon Miller, of Baillieston, who cycles and plays badminton, said: "We're all very excited.

Shannon, a pupil at St Ambrose High in Coatbridge, added: "We can't wait for the day to come round."

Their London trip takes place next Sunday.

russell.leadbetter@ eveningtimes.co.uk