A campaign has been launched today to take the 2012 Games out of London and right into the heart of communities all over the UK including Shropshire and Mid Wales.

Olympics Minister Tessa Jowell, London Olympic Games organising committee chairman Lord Coe and Olympic gold medallist Jonathan Edwards today announced the start of the 25th Hour campaign.

And people in the county can get involved as the Shropshire Star is helping to identify worthy time-givers in their area and award Olympics-inspired rewards.

Prizes include tickets to a money-can’t-buy preview of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games Opening Ceremony.

The scheme is based on the premise that everyone can find an extra hour in their day with the historic moment that the UK hosts the Olympic and Paralympic Games being used to secure a long-lasting impact on UK communities that goes well beyond the six weeks of the games.

The campaign will use Olympics-inspired prizes to encourage people all over the UK to give up their time to help out in their communities.

More than 250,000 people have already registered their interest in volunteering at the London 2012 Games, but only around 50,000 will get the chance to do so. The 25th Hour taps into that enthusiasm and provides a chance for every person, in every part of the UK, to have their London 2012 moment – and enjoy London 2012 rewards.

Ms Jowell said: “The 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games are the UK’s Games in London.

“Together we can use this historic moment to inspire people to do something extraordinary – create a movement of giving time. The 25th Hour will go right to the heart of communities across the UK with the message that time given to others is time well spent.”

To nominate someone write to News Desk, Shropshire Star, Ketley, Telford, TF1 5HU or e-mail the newsroom here.

By Emma Kasprzak