RESIDENTS are being encouraged to take full advantage of the opportunities presented by the 2012 Olympics.

And that doesn't just mean sport. It also includes the arts and culture.

The Government is planning a Cultural Olympiad in the run-up to the main games.

Every region in the country, including the south west, will appoint a creative programmer, who will encourage arts and cultural bodies to get involved.

And North Swindon MP Michael Wills is keen to see everyone in the town participating.

"I think the main thing is that everyone takes advantage of this unique opportunity for this country," he said.

"Clearly London is going to be a focal point, but the Government has always made it clear that they want the benefits to ripple out across the country.

"I am very keen that Swindon takes full advantage of what is available and that everyone looks at what is on offer.

"Obviously there is a lot of talk about what the Olympics should cover and there is a long history of arts and culture being involved.

"Swindon should be a centre of arts and culture and it has the potential to be."

Coun Justin Tomlinson, the council's cabinet member for culture, leisure and recreation, said the town's plans were already under way.

"Swindon is well advanced in looking at ways to maximise the potential in terms of culture, leisure and recreation on the back of the goodwill generated by the 2012 London Olympics," he said, "Much multi-agency work and planning is already taking place and Swindon, like the rest of the UK, will be playing an integral role in delivering the overall Olympic spirit."

There are three main elements to the Cultural Olympiad.

The first is the mandatory ceremonies, such as the opening and closing ceremonies of the games, medal ceremonies and the torch relay.

The second element is the projects that were included in the London 2012 bid such as the Shakespeare International Festival, Five-Rings exhibition and the UK School games.

The final element is the UK-wide cultural festival, which will build up and run alongside the main games.

This is what the regional creative programmers will be working towards.