More than 800 free tickets are up for grabs from today for Tower Hamlets residents —offering a sneak preview of the opening ceremony for the London Olympics.

Oscar winning film director Danny Boyle, who lives in Mile End, is in charge of putting together the show, expected to attract a global TV audience of up to a billion viewers.

The opening scene will see the Olympic Stadium transformed into the British countryside with a cast of 10,000 volunteer performers.

It will also feature real farmyard animals including 70 sheep, 12 horses, three cows, two goats, 10 chickens, 10 ducks, nine geese and three sheepdogs, along with people playing sports on the village green and farmers tilling the soil.

Boyle will also be collaborating with musical act Underworld for the soundtrack.

Tower Hamlets Council secured the prestigious tickets from Games organisers LOCOG.

The council will allocate tickets on a first-come-first-serve basis.

Successful applicants will be required to help test the Olympic Stadium, as well as watch one of the final rehearsals for the Opening Ceremony.

Sign up to my.towerhamlets.gov.uk to apply for tickets.

Alternatively, residents can request a paper application form by calling 020 7364 501.

The deadline for applications is July 12 at 11.59pm.