OLYMPIC fever took over Essex as more people said they wanted  to get active now the Games are over.

In a survey of 1,200 people across the county, a whopping 74 per cent of residents said they were interested in getting fit since the Olympic Mountain Biking event came to Hadleigh last summer.

This was up from 65 per cent in 2010.

Around 40,000 eager spectators flocked to south Essex to catch a glimpse of the world’s elite mountain bikers take on the challenging course at Hadleigh Farm on August 11 and 12.

Statistics show 50 per cent of people said they would like to take up a sport following the Olympics, up from 39 per cent in 2010.

The number of disabled people wanting to get fit or take up a sport in Essex has also risen, almost doubling from 32 per cent in 2010 to 59 per cent in 2012.

Interest in volunteering has also risen from 35 per cent in 2010 to 40 per cent in 2012.

County councillor Stephen Castle, cabinet member for education, lifelong learning and the 2012 Games, said: “The results of this survey are fantastic news for the council. This clearly shows that not only are people feeling more inspired and active since the summer of sport but interest in areas such as volunteering are also on the increase.

“I would wholeheartedly recommend those with an interest in sports or volunteering to look at www.activeessex.org or www.goodforessex.com for opportunities in their area. I look forward to the continued work from the council in delivering a lasting legacy from the Games.”

More than 80 per cent of the county also felt Essex hosted the Olympic Mountain Biking event and Olympic Torch Relay successfully.