THE Olympic flame will be coming to West Devon next year en route to the London 2012 Olympic Games.

On July 27, 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 Olympics.

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 May 18, 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 Olympic torch relay will arrive in West Devon on the morning of Monday May 21, 2012.

Travelling through Okehampton, Folly Gate and Hatherleigh, these locations will host the Olympic flame on behalf of surrounding communities. Full details of the relay will be announced closer to the time, inviting people from across the area to welcome the flame.

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.'

West Devon Borough Council will be liaising with many different community organisations across the borough and encouraging them to get involved with this historic event by holding events and dressing their villages and towns with bunting along the route to show their support for members of the local communities who have been selected to carry the flame.

The council is also working with Devon County Council, Devon Highways and the London 2012 organising committee on the final details of the day.