Can you nominate a guiding light?

Don’t miss the chance to nominate someone truly inspirational to be a London 2012 Torchbearer next year.

London 2012 are looking for 8,000 people from across Britain to join the Torch Relay between Thursday 29th May and Friday 27th July 2012.

Now the hunt is on for heroes and heroines whose personal stories will inspire others in the community and across the world, as they undertake this unique and prestigious task.

The closing date for nominations is Wednesday 29th June, so hurry to put forward someone you know who thoroughly deserves this immense public honour. Just visit: www.london2012.com/olympictorchrelay. You will need to write around 150 words explaining why you have chosen that person, and don’t forget to let them know you are nominating them!

Possible nominees could be someone who: has inspired you to do something you never thought possible always tries to be the best they can be makes a real difference in their school or local community has shown what it means to be a real friend shows respect for other people and knows the importance of fair play

They need to be over 12 years old, and would be asked to run – or at least carry - the Olympic torch a distance of 300 metres before handing it on to the next person.

The Olympic torch is lit from the sun's rays at the Temple of Hera in Olympia, in a traditional ceremony among the ruins of the home of the Ancient Games. After a short relay around Greece, the Flame is handed over to the new Host City at another ceremony in the Panathenaiko stadium in Athens. The Flame is then delivered to the Host Country, where it is transferred from one Torchbearer to another, spreading the message of peace, unity and friendship. It ends its journey as the last Torchbearer lights the cauldron at the Olympic Games Opening Ceremony in the Olympic Stadium, marking the official start of the Games. The Flame is extinguished on the final day of the Games, at the Closing Ceremony.

Southend-on-Sea Borough Council’s Executive Councillor for Culture and Tourism, Councillor Derek Jarvis said: “We are very keen to spread this message far and wide, to give as many people as possible the chance to suggest their local hero or heroine to be a Torchbearer.

“To be a torchbearer would give the successful nominee the chance to have the time of their lives, and their selfless achievements would be an inspiration to others right across the world.”

For more details, please visit www.london2012.com/olympictorchrelay