The London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games has given free tickets to schools in the borough

Thousands of pupils from Brent will get to see the Olympic and Paralympic Games this summer for free.

The London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games has allocated 3,250 tickets to 70 schools in the borough as part of the official London 2012 education programme.

Of these, 22 secondary schools and colleges will get 2,581 tickets and 48 primary schools will share 669.

The tickets have been given at no charge to schools, parents or the taxpayers and will be split equally between sports.

Schools will find out more details next month.

Councillor Mary Arnold (labour), lead member for children and families, said: “I am delighted that so many Brent children will get the chance to be inspired in person by the Olympic Games. We worked really hard to promote this exciting opportunity to their schools.

“The Olympics has a huge amount to teach young people about values such as team work and highlights the importance of playing sport and of course, it will be a fantastic day out for everyone.”

Capital City Academy one of the schools which has been awarded 150 tickets. Jacquie McDonnell, games organiser at the school, said: “The students are very excited about the idea of going and getting involved as well.”

While Paul Kaffel, who is in charge of PE at Malorees Junior School, which has been awarded 15 tickets, said: “We are very excited. We want to take as many children as possible. It is a fantastic opportunity and will only happen once in their lifetimes.”

Brent is a host borough for the Games and will be the venue for football, badminton and rhythmic gymnastics.