AN OLYMPIC project to celebrate the London 2012 games is being planned for Basingstoke next year – and it could include a temporary maze.

The borough council has urged communities to organise activities to celebrate the Olympics as part of their Five Gold Rings strategy.

Graham Burgess of Artscapes – a landscape design company in Whitchurch – has been working with Basingstoke College of Technology (BCOT), the Basingstoke and Deane Stroke support group and Whitchurch Silk Mill to come up with ideas for the event.

Early plans show it will focus on China, where silk making originated, and where the last Olympics were held.

Silk could be woven especially for the event, and used by college students and members of the stroke support group to create artistic work.

Anthony Bravo, principal of BCOT, said: “We are definitely going to be involved in the silk-weaving. Anything to do with the Olympics, we will support.”

Mr Burgess said: “We are trying to find ways to encourage people to get involved, and the silk mill could weave silk to go out to other parts of the borough. It’s in the early stages.”

Suggestions include creating a maze using silk with special points to celebrate the story of silk and Basingstoke life.

Stephen Bryer, general manager at Whitchurch Silk Mill, said he is excited about the project, and added: “The last Olympics were in China and there seems to be a natural link between the Olympics and us.

“We are hoping to have an opportunity to produce the ribbons for the Olympic medals and fingers crossed that could happen. We are waiting to find out, but obviously it would be great for the town.”

Tim Boschi, head of neighbourhood development at the borough council, said: “Five Gold Rings has been well received by the community and we are very excited about the opportunities for local groups to work together.”

Any other individuals or groups with ideas on how to celebrate London 2012 should contact the council on 01256 844844 or visit basingstoke.gov.uk/go/fivegold rings.