SCHOOLS and community groups across the county are being urged to sign up for Oxford’s big pre-Olympics Party.

They are being invited to take part in the Tree of Light project, that will culminate in large-scale outdoor performances next summer.

More than 1,000 participants will be taking part in spectacular events being held near the Thames in Oxford and Henley, and at locations still to be announced. Similar events will take place at Reading, Windsor and Slough.

The centrepiece of the project will be a giant sculpted Tree of Light lit by low energy LED light and powered by sustainable energy, largely generated by local cyclists and rowers.

The year-long project will not only celebrate the Olympic movement but also highlight the need to live and work in the natural environment, all leading up to an outdoor performance.

Schools and groups wishing to be involved have only until April 30 to apply. Successful applicants will work with tree specialists and professionals from the worlds of visual arts, music and dance to create an original performance piece.

For further details, go to www.thetreeoflight.org