A young man from Bow with learning difficulties has been picked to take part in Danny Boyle’s Olympic opening ceremony this summer.

George Elich, 25, who lives at a care home in Bow, was one of 10,000 people to audition for a role in the ceremony, which will be overseen by the Mile End based film director.

George was chosen as a ceremonies volunteer performer after getting through three rounds of auditions.

George, who plays drums, will now be taking part in weekly rehearsals at Three Mills in Bromley-by-Bow from May before rehearsals move on to the Olympic Stadium.

George said: “I was jumping up and down when my name came up. It’s amazing. My mum is really proud. I can’t wait to start the rehearsals.”

George, who is also into break dancing, said he had to do some acting, moves and play drums during the auditions.

The prospect of performing in front of billions of people expected to watch the ceremony on TV and a further 80,000 people inside the stadium is not frightening for George. “I’m not scared and I’m not nervous,” he said.

His residence is run by disability charity Livability and Elich is the youngest of the five residents.