Jonathan Edwards and David Moorcroft in Much Wenlock

Former world record holder David Moorcroft won an Olympic wooden spoon today – when he came a cropper on a space hopper, writes Andy Richardson.

The former long distance runner was at Much Wenlock to promote the Community Games, which will encourage towns, villages and cities around the UK to launch their own mini games in the build-up to London 2012.

Mr Moorcroft was taking part in a space hopper race against Jonathan Edwards, the former world triple jump record holder, who won gold at the Olympics, Commonwealth Games and European and World Championships.

Mr Edwards was first out of the blocks and Mr Moorcroft overbalanced as he tried to keep pace with his speedier rival.

Mr Edwards said he was delighted to be back in Much Wenlock, having visited the town last week to launch the London 2012 Olympic Mascots, Wenlock and Mandeville.

He said: "I tend not to think of myself as being a special guest, I'm more of an old friend.

"The Community Games are very important because we want them to inspire everyone to participate in London 2012. We want to create an Olympic, or Paralympic, moment for everyone, regardless of age and ability."

Mr Moorcroft later tried to out do Mr Edwards at quoits – which involves throwing a rubber ring over a stick – and at break dancing and body popping.

He said: "I thought we should have had a long distance space hopper race, then I'd have beaten Jonathan."

The Community Games were launched at Gaskell Field, which is a key part of the Olympic story.

It was used by Dr William Penny Brookes to host the Wenlock Olympics, which inspired Baron Pierre De Coubertin to launch the modern day Olympics.