CHILDREN disappointed to have missed out on tickets to next year’s Olympics could still be in with a chance thanks to Essex County Council.

The authority has spent £23,150 buying 540 tickets for the Games, including 500 for the mountain biking at Hadleigh Farm and 40 for other events.

A proportion will be allocated to children in care and others to schools taking part in the council’s Olympics-inspired education programme, Essex Carrying the Flame. Some will also be offered as prizes in the national School Games programme.

Stephen Castle, county councillor for Essex’s contribution to the 2012 Games, said: “Being able to give young people and looked after children in care across Essex the chance to be part of an Olympic event on their doorstep is one of the reasons we were so keen to host the event.”