Olympic Torch route bypasses Tavistock

The Olympic Flame – the glowing symbol of the greatest show on earth - will be coming to Devon next year en route to the London 2012 Olympic Games.

On 27th July 2012 the eyes of the world will be on London for the Opening Ceremony where the Olympic Flame will arrive at the Olympic Stadium for the lighting of the cauldron to signify the start of the London 2012 Olympic Games.

In the build up to the start of the event, the Olympic Flame will make its journey from Greece and arrive in the UK on 18th May, ready for the Olympic Torch Relay to begin the following day.

Representing peace, unity and friendship, the Flame will start its 70-day journey around the UK towards the stadium carried by 8,000 inspirational Torchbearers, who will be announced later this year.

The London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) yesterday confirmed the communities through which the Olympic Flame will be carried during the relay. You can view a map of the route here. The street by street detail of the route will be confirmed next year.

Over 1,000 communities will have Torchbearers carrying the Olympic Flame through their streets, and over 95% of the population will be within 10 miles of the Olympic Flame. Unfortunately for us we fall into the 5% that live outside of this 10 mile radius. However, the torch will pass through Saltash and Plymouth on 19th/20th May, and through Okehampton on Monday 21st May, so there will be plenty of opportunity for us to get involved without travelling too far.

LOCOG has worked closely with representatives from a number of sectors in each nation and region to devise the route. Not only does the route include villages, town and cities, the Olympic Torch Relay will also take in hundreds of landmarks; from the famous to the unexpected; natural to the man-made; historical to the modern and will showcase and celebrate the diversity of the UK.

The route will pass through three West Devon locations: Okehampton, Folly Gate, and Hatherleigh. Cllr Donald Horn, Mayor of West Devon said: "It's very exciting for West Devon that the Olympic Flame will be passing through three of our communities. This is a once in a lifetime event and all eyes will be on West Devon on May 21. I would encourage our residents to come out and give the Torchbearers a very warm welcome."

Jeremy Hunt, Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport, said: "When the Olympic Flame arrives here in the UK on 18 May next year it will mark the final countdown to the greatest sporting event the country will host in our lifetime. The Olympic Torch Relay will be an amazing opportunity for people to see the Olympic Flame in their own towns and communities.

"The Flame's journey is steeped in the rich history of the Olympic Games, travelling from Athens then right around the UK. I encourage everyone to get out and take part in the excitement of the Torch Relay as it comes through their town."

The Olympic Flame will be carried across the UK by 8,000 inspirational Torchbearers, each of whom will have a story of personal achievement and/or contribution to the local community. In December this year, successful nominees will be contacted with a conditional offer and final Torchbearer places will start to be confirmed from February 2012 onwards.

Have you, or anyone you know been nominated as a Torchbearer? My partner Adam has been shortlisted for his voluntary work within grass roots football. We've been told that we'll receive an email in early December confirming whether or not he's made the final 8,000. Fingers crossed!

Click on the link below to view a promotional video for the route:

Olympic Torch Relay route animation