AN Olympic appeal for inspirational Crow Country residents to bring the burning symbol of the games through North Herts has been issued.

The Olympic Committee wants nominations for torchbearers to run 300-metre legs as it travels between Cambridge and Luton next July.

Councillor Ian Knighton, North Herts District Council’s portfolio holder for leisure, said: “This is an exciting time for North Herts and a once in a lifetime opportunity for nominees that are chosen to become torchbearers.

“Nominating someone is also a fantastic way to say thank you to them for their outstanding contributions to the local community.”

The successful torch bearers must be over 12 years old and have made a real difference to others through work in the local community.

To nominate someone a statement of 150 words describing why they should take part must be sent to The London 2012 committee by the end of this month.

The first part of the draw is an automated random selection and NHDC says the more applications that come forward the bigger the chance the district can move forward to the next stage.

The closing date is June 29 and applicants can visit the website http://www.london2012.com/games/olympic-torch-relay/