Hundreds of Olympic tickets are up for grabs for community-spirited residents.

Islington Council is holding 209 passes to the Olympic or Paralympic Games and is on the hunt for “community heroes” to hand them over to.

Residents can nominate anyone – including themselves – who they think is a community champion and a judging panel will whittle down the candidates to the most deserving.

Cllr Catherine West, the 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 Games.

“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.”

The tickets have been funded by generous Islington businesses. Go to www.islington.gov.uk/communityheroes or fill out a nomination form at any Islington library.