A BLAZE of glory is on the way for Dunstable, which is now set to welcome the Olympic Flame on its travels around the UK next year.
Dunstable is among more than 1,000 villages, towns and cities chosen to be visited by the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay.
July 9 is the big day when the town plays host to the torch relay during its 70-day journey.
The news was announced on Monday, November 7, by the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Sebastian Coe, chairman of the organising committee, said: “We are thrilled to confirm that Dunstable will act as a host location for the Olympic Flame, extending an invitation to people in Central Bedfordshire to welcome the Olympic Torch Relay during its journey around the UK.”
He added: “This is the UK’s moment to shine, and I want to encourage people across Central Bedfordshire to start planning how they can be part of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and show their support for the inspirational torchbearers chosen to carry the Olympic Flame as we count down to the start of the Olympic Games.”
Dunstable deputy mayor Councillor Pat Staples said: “Dunstable will be so proud to host part of the Olympic Torch Relay.
“I hope that everyone will share my excitement at this wonderful news and I know the whole of Dunstable will turn out to witness and celebrate this historic event.
“This announcement will provide everyone with a real boost and will contribute to the ever-improving fortunes of the town.”
And Councillor James Jamieson, the Central Beds Council leader, said: “Hosting the Olympic Torch Relay will shine a light on Dunstable and on our area as a whole.
“I hope that residents of all ages will join us for this historic occasion to share in the Olympic spirit and welcome the Flame to our area as part of the countdown to the start of the Games.”
The relay will start at Land’s End, on May 19, and the Olympic Flame will then travel an estimated 8,000 miles around the UK.
Organisers say that the route means that the Olympic Flame will be within an hour’s journey time of 95 per cent of the population during its trek.
More than 95 per cent of the population will also be within just 10 miles of the Olympic Flame next summer. Full route details will be confirmed next year.