THE leader of Durham County Council has urged people in the region to make the most of the Olympic games next year.

Councillor Simon Henig yesterday met young members of South Durham Gymnastics Club in Spennymoor, County Durham, to celebrate the news that the Olympic flame will pass through the region on its way to the London Games next year.

Coun Henig and his council colleague Terry Collins spoke to the girls, many of whom have their sights set on future Olympic glory.

The council has unveiled a campaign, called Join In, which pledges to work with people of all ages and backgrounds over the next 14 months to encourage everyone to feel part of the games.

Coun Henig said: “Obviously, not everybody will be able to get down to see Olympic events, so this gives the opportunity for everybody to see the Olympic torch on their doorstep – it’s a real once-ina- lifetime opportunity.”

The torch is due to stay overnight in Durham City, but Coun Henig said it would also be passing through the east of the county as well as places such as Teesdale.

“We hope the Olympics will be a legacy,” he said “It will be a legacy for young people in particular to get more involved in all sorts of sports.”

South Durham Gymnastics Club member Amy Tinkler, from Bishop Auckland, is one young athlete who is looking forward to the sporting extravaganza next year.

The 11-year-old Durham High School pupil also has one eye on the 2016 games in Rio de Janeiro.

She said: “I would love to be able to go down to the games and watch something live, but if I can’t I’ll be happy watching it on TV.”

Amy trains for 25 hours a week, but says she loves doing gymnastics. “It is hard work, but the more hard work you put in the better you become,” she said.