Excitement as Arundel revealed as a stop on 2012 Olympic torch route

The Olympic committee has said the town will form part of the torch’s 8,000-mile, 70-day journey around the country, to mark the start of London 2012.

Leader of Arun District Council, Gillian Brown, welcomed the announcement, which also put North and South Bersted, Bognor Regis and Aldingbourne on the list of stops.

Sadly, however, Littlehampton misses out on Olympic torch glory.

Mrs Brown said: “The Olympic torch relay will shine a spotlight on the people and places of the Arun district and demonstrate that the Olympic spirit is alive and well.

“We are delighted to learn we will be a part of this once-in-a-lifetime event and I know our communities will welcome this iconic flame and all it represents in a manner that will make us all proud.”

Arun’s part in the forthcoming festivties will start on July 16, but the times and locations are being kept firmly under wraps by the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) until next year.

Councillor Norman Dingemans, Arun’s cabinet member for economic and cultural development with responsibility for tourism, said: ”Having the relay pass through our district, bringing with it the eyes of the world, is a great opportunity for Arun.

“I would encourage all our residents to embrace this exciting news and I look forward to being involved in planning the welcome the flame will receive.”

The torch will arrive in Britain from Greece on May 18, to start its tour of the UK, and will travel for about 12 hours a day, arriving at the Olympic Stadium on July 27, for the lighting of the cauldron at the opening ceremony.

Anyone wanting to get involved in Arun’s Olympic celebrations can contact Phil Graham, marketing, events and filming officer at the council, on 01903 737858 or [email protected] or go to www.arun.gov.uk/events.