NEW research has revealed Londoners have been the most inspired by the Olympics in the whole of Britain .

Findings have revealed 35 per cent of Londoners said the summer’s big events had inspired them to take up something new, compared with just 18 per cent of East Anglians.

Londoners are also the most inspired to explore more of the UK, with a quarter saying they want to see more of the UK. Only 16 per cent of Scots said the same.

Nearly one in three people across Britain said they were inspired to take up a new sport or hobby.

One in five people said they wanted to explore more of Britain, and one in 10 said they to see more of the world.

62% of people have already started their new activity or made plans to do so.

Summer 2012 had a greater impact on younger Brits. Nearly half of people  aged 18 to 24, and 43 per cent of people aged 25 to 34 said they were inspired to take up a new sport or hobby.

British women said they were most inspired by gold medal heptathlete Jessica Ennis, followed by paralympic swimmer Ellie Simmonds then cyclist Victoria Pendleton.

British men said they were most inspired by cyclist Bradley Wiggins followed by Jessica Ennis and then Victoria Pendleton.

Among those inspired to try a new sport, cycling, athletics and swimming  were the top three activities.

Wrexham, in North Wales, is the UK’s most inspired town. Half its residents said they were inspired to do something new in the wake the Games.

Edinburgh is the UK’s least inspired town with only 13% saying the same.

Former Olympian, Colin Jackson, said: "It’s fantastic to see that ‘Britain’s Greatest Summer’ has had a lasting impact.

“We all remember how excited and inspired we were during the summer – to see that this has actually led to action for so many people is a brilliant result.

“It’s not surprising to see so many people, in particular younger Brits, have been inspired to take up a new sport. Our Olympians and Paralympians have been amazing role models.

“As a former Olympian myself, I know the athletes will be thrilled to see their Games efforts have created such a great legacy of doing.”

The Top 10 most inspirational athletes were:

1 Jessica Ennis (athletics, Olympics)

2 Victoria Pendleton (cycling, Olympics)

3 Mo Farah (athletics, Olympics) 

4 Bradley Wiggins (cycling, Olympics)

5 Ellie Simmonds (swimming, Paralympics)

6 Jonnie Peacock (athletics, Paralympics)

7 David Weir (wheelchair athletics and marathon, Paralympics)

8 Andy Murray (tennis, Olympics and Wimbledon)

9 Sir Chris Hoy (cycling, Olympics)

10 Tom Daley (diving, Olympics)

The research was conducted by Bing.