THE Olympic flame is to make its way round the UK and Ireland — and there is a chance to nominate someone from the community to carry the famous torch.

With just under a year to go until the Olympic Flame arrives in the UK, London 2012 has launched the search for 8,000 torchbearers to take part in the torch relay.

The call is going out for someone who:

l Always tries to be the best they can

l Makes a real difference in their school or community

l Has shown what it means to be a real friend

l Has inspired others to do something they never thought possible.

This is the chance to give them their moment to shine. Around 90% of the torch bearers selected will be members of the public with a focus on young people aged 12 to 24. They will be individuals whose personal stories will inspire millions of people as the 70-day relay travels the length and breadth of the UK.

To nominate a local hero — a coach, a friend, a referee — go to http://www.london2012.com/olympictorchrelay">www.london2012.com/olympictorchrelay and give them a chance to carry the Olympic Torch next year. Nominations close on June 29, 2011 at 11:59pm.