Only a few days left to nominate your community hero to win Olympic tickets

If you want to nominate a 'Community Hero' to receive one of Islington Council's 209 tickets for London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games events you only have until May 7.

Any borough resident can make a nomination - of themselves or others. Simply tell the council why your nominee deserves a free ticket to what's being called 'The Greatest Show on Earth'.

The 'once in a lifetime' ticket offer follows a strong response from local businesses and local partners, who were approached by Islington Council to pay for the tickets given the shortage of cash in the council's pockets. Nominations close on May 7. A selection panel representing residents, partners and sports bodies will shortlist the applications in May.

Cllr Catherine West, leader of Islington Council said: "London 2012 is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the world's greatest event on our own doorstep.

"We're looking for those special members of the community - from teenagers to pensioners - to give them the unique chance to attend The 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games in London.

"The 2012 Games are all about heroes so I want our tickets going to Islington's own community heroes. Those special people who give so much to our borough yet wouldn't otherwise get the chance to be part of this wonderful occasion."

In February 2011, all London authorities were given the option of purchasing 100 tickets by the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games Ltd (LOCOG).

Mindful of the need to use public money wisely, Islington Council set about looking for a practical solution that didn't burden the taxpayer at a time when the authority faces some of the harshest government cuts in the capital.

Businesses working with the Council were asked if they would contribute to the tickets' cost; their positive response greatly exceeded the cost of the initial 100 ticket allocation.

It means that 209 lucky residents - including some younger and more vulnerable members of the community who wouldn't otherwise get the chance to attend an event - will now be able to do so, for free.

To make a nomination fill out a nomination form (www.islington.gov.uk/communityheroes ) also available at any Islington library.