Olympic Torch Relay, UK

With officials promising to put the torch within a mile of as much as 95 per cent of the British population, it will require up to 8,000 bearers, half of which are expected to be young people. A nomination process, to be announced in May next year, will give interested parties the chance to get involved.

“The Olympic Torch Relay heralds the start of the London 2012, bringing people together to celebrate the spirit of the Games,” Sebastian Coe, chairman of London 2012, said. “We will be working closely with villages, towns and cities the length and breadth of the UK to ensure that as each community welcomes the flame, they do so in a way that is unique and special to their area.”

“The Olympic flame is the most recognisable symbol of the modern Games and has an awesome history tracing back to ancient Greece,” London Mayor Boris Johnson added. “Its arrival on our shores in May 2012 marks the start of arguably the most important three months in the capital’s recent history.”

‘TOP’ partners Coca-Cola and Samsung, along with Lloyds TSB, a Tier One 2012 sponsor, have committed to support the relay.