TOURISM bosses in Oxfordshire yesterday had millions of reasons to count down a year until London 2012.

The world’s biggest sporting event will bring an estimated £5bn boost to the UK economy, and tourism boards are confident Oxfordshire can take a sizeable chunk of the money.

Director of Visit Oxfordshire Susi Golding said: “Our county is in an ideal place to benefit from the impact the Olympics will have.

“We have excellent transport links to London and world-class attractions such as Blenheim Palace and the Cotswolds.

“We do not have an exact figure on it yet, but the increase in tourists coming to stay next year is expected to be huge.”

The latest figures show Oxfordshire attracted 25 million visitors in 2009, which made £700m for the economy and powered more than 29,000 jobs.

And London 2012 fever hit Barton on Sunday, as swimmers immersed themselves in the ideas of the Cultural Olympiad.

More than 50 people took part in The Big Swim, an “interactive light installation”, giving people the chance to swim through colour and music.

Artist Tine Bech said: “One of the main parts of these Olympics is the relationship of sport and art, so that is what I have tried to do here.”

City councillor Mark Lygo, board member for parks and sports, said: “There are other exciting developments happening across Oxford including a new £2m astroturf and netball facility at Court Place Farm in Marston, and an eight-lane competition standard pool in Blackbird Leys.”

National sportspeople also have free access to county leisure centres and swimming pools.

And the Olympic torch will pass through Oxford during its 8,000-mile relay on July 9 next year.

Mr Lygo said: “I’m really looking forward to the torch relay coming to the city and I hope the local community will embrace this once-in-a-lifetime event.”

Meanwhile, Iona Hall-Thorp, Digby Freeman and Chloe Madden, all aged six, are set to play a role in the Olympics thanks to their date of birth: 20/12/04.

The Children’s Promise scheme run by London 2012 pledges every child in the UK born on that date take part in a ceremony or event. The scheme was launched during the bid to host the Games in 2004 on the 20th day of the 12th month.

Chloe’s mother, Megan Boiling, said: “I am really proud that my child will be involved. It makes it extra special.”

She found out Chloe was eligible when reading about the scheme in the Oxford Mail.

Chloe said: “I am excited and I will be watching them next year. I hope I will be holding the Olympic torch.”

In an amazing coincidence, all three of the children go to the same school, SS Mary and John, in Meadow Lane.

Steph Freeman, Digby’s mum, said: “It’s a bit freaky. Of course we would have watched the Olympics anyway, but it is much more personal now.”

Digby said: “I am looking forward to the long jump.”

The exact nature of the role the children will play has yet to be decided, but the parents received a letter saying Chloe could be involved in the torch relay.

Becky Hall, Iona’s mother, said: “The exciting thing is that people in the community are involved.”