PREPARATIONS for the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay have this week taken a giant leap forward, following the announcement of the street route the torch will take when it passes through West Devon on May 21.

West Devon Borough Council and the London 2012 Organising Committee have been working together on the once-in-a-lifetime event which will see torchbearers carry the famous flame through the streets of some communities in the borough.

This week the specific street route, timings and torchbearers have been announced and can be viewed at: http://www.london2012.com/olympictorchrelay">www.london2012.com/olympictorchrelay

Residents, schools, community clubs and other groups from across the borough are invited to plan their celebrations to mark the day. The flame will be in the first few days of its journey around the UK and the eyes of the world will be on West Devon as the torch passes through Okehampton, Folly Gate and Hatherleigh.

Cllr Donald Horn, mayor of West Devon said: 'We're looking forward to the opportunity to come together as a community and showcase West Devon at its best on the world stage.

'We hope that all of the residents of West Devon will put up bunting, come out and line the streets to welcome the flame.

'If residents have quirky, local and creative ideas for events or other ways of celebrating our unique community spirit, it would be great to hear about their plans and I would appeal to them to contact our officers at the council so we can provide information and support to make this a day to remember.'

Inspirational fundraiser Colin Rowland has been selected as one of the torchbearers for West Devon. Having lived with the symptoms of type 1 diabetes for 45 years, including the loss of his sight for two years in his twenties, Colin has completed five London marathons and other fundraising events for diabetes charities.

Colin said: 'The flame is iconic, and to be part of the Olympic journey will be the pinnacle of many years of sporting charity work on behalf of diabetes research.'

For support and information about organising community events please email [email protected]">[email protected] or complete the online form at http://www.westdevon.gov.uk">www.westdevon.gov.uk

For ideas and resources for schools to make the most of the Olympic Torch Relay please visit http://www.london2012.com/getset">www.london2012.com/getset