Runners on marks for Olympic torch glory

About 100 people will be asked to carry the Olympic Torch when it makes its way through Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin at the end of May.

The organisers of the London 2012 Olympics are presently contacting people who they hope will carry the torch on its route around Great Britain. The torch will pass through Ludlow, Clee Hill and Cleobury Mortimer on May 24.

It will return to the region on May 30 when it passes through Oswestry, Llanymynech, Pant, Shrewsbury, Cressage, Much Wenlock, Benthall and Broseley.

About 20 torch bearers are expecting to bear the flame on May 24 while a further 80 are expected to carry it on May 30.

Today, Joy Durrant, festival development officer for Shropshire Council, said the passage of the torch through Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin was likely to spark celebrations.

Many schools and community groups were planning to stage community events, including mini Olympic-style Games of their own.

She said: "Many community events and plans are now in the planning process.

"Shropshire schools are also now making their plans to bring children to the roadside and give the Olympic Flame a warm Shropshire welcome – and to wish Team GB good luck."

Officials say there has been a good response from those who have been asked to carry the flame during the Olympic relay, though they will not be allowed to release their full details until May.

Ms Durrant added that plenty of workshops were taking place so that the region was ready for its turn in the Olympic spotlight.

She said: "In preparation there will be five flag workshops programmed for February when the community participants will design new flags to complement the Legacy Flags made for last June's Shropshire Olympian Festival in Shrewsbury.

"The complete set of about 100 flags will be sited around the county over the two torch relay visit days."

Other activities include a parade featuring the colours of the Olympic Rings, an international art exhibition, photographic competitions, commemorative medals for schoolchildren, inter-schools sports days, urban dance have-a-go workshops, banners, brass bands and a regatta on the River Severn.