Olympic: Ellis De Stefano is to perform at the Games opening ceremony despite dislocating a finger in June

Scores of children and adults from Barking and Dagenham will be watched by billions around the world as they perform in the London 2012 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony tonight.

Torch Bearer 012 onboard the Gloriana as it approaches Richmond Bridge on The River Thames, Surrey, today.Photo credit: Gareth Fuller/PA Wire

Many have been selected by the producers and organisers of the evening celebration because the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham is a host borough for the Games.

The £27 million extravaganza, to take place at the Olympic Stadium tonight, will open the eagerly anticipated events seven years after London was announced the winners of the bid to host the greatest sporting event on earth.

The contents of the evening is a secret, despite a technical rehearsal taking place in front of thousands on Monday night.

Coaches of pupils are heading off this afternoon to the Olympic Stadium, with those from All Saints Catholic School, Hunters Hall Primary, Grafton Junior and Warren Junior all taking part in the Opening Ceremony.

Ellis De Stephno, 11, of Morley Road, Chadwell Heath, is among those performing from All Saints.

The keen street dancer, who auditioned at school, said: “I couldn’t wait to audition. A few weeks later I was given a letter to say that I’d been successful. My mum was so happy she cried.”

Mark Civil, Head of Performing Arts at Barking and Dagenham College, will chaperone students from the College’s School for the Performing Arts and Technical Theatre who have been selected to perform. They are thought to be involved in a Shakespeare-inspired theme to celebrate British culture.

Performer Daryl Kane, 47, of Bentry Road, Dagenham, said: “To think we are going to be involved in something viewed by millions of people is great.”

Lin Russell, 56, of Movers Lane, Dagenham, also performing, added: “The audition process was quite rigorous but it was quite inspiring. You cam out of the auditions feeling good.

“I’m going to have to try not to think about how many people are going to be watching.”

Trampoline champion Cole Burrell, eight, is also expected to perform.

On Sunday around 85,000 people lined the streets of Barking and Dagenham to welcome the Olympic Flame. It is currently on the final day of its journey to the iconic stadium where it will form part of the festivities.

Email michael.adkins@archant.co.uk with your opening ceremony pictures and stories.