Huge celebrations will mark the arrival of the Olympic torch in Leicester next year.
Organisers of the 2012 Games announced yesterday that the relay of torchbearers will travel around Leicestershire on July 2 next year before arriving at Abbey Park in the evening with the famous flame.
A two-hour celebration event will be held at the park, which organisers hope will be attended by thousands of people, local celebrities and sporting stars.
Details of the route the torch will take within Leicestershire – and whether it will include a visit to Loughborough, where Team GB will have a training base – will be announced later this year.
Deputy mayor Rory Palmer, who campaigned for the torch to be brought to the city, said: "It's absolutely brilliant news. I think the Games are going to capture the imagination of the whole county and it's a chance for Leicestershire to shine.
"I'd encourage people to come along to Abbey Park to give the torch a vibrant welcome."
The flame is expected to be in Leicestershire by 8am and will be brought to Abbey Park shortly after 7pm, where it will be used to light a cauldron.
Jeff Moore, chairman of the London 2012 East Midlands Nations Group, said: "Leicester was chosen because it's an important city in the East Midlands and it has a fantastic sporting and cultural heritage.
"The flame coming round and staying in the area is a key part of the Olympics."
Yesterday, people in Leicestershire welcomed the news.
Dave Parsons, from Wigston, said he would turn out to watch the torch procession.
Dave said: "I'm glad it's coming to Leicester as I think it will be a good thing for the city.
"We will definitely be somewhere along the route when we find out where it is going."
Wendy Watters, 66, who lives in the city centre, said: "It is good news. I would be interested to come and have a look."
Kate Dennison, who is currently the British number one in the pole vault and lives in Loughborough, said: "It's great to know it's coming to the area.
"I think it will help to whip up some enthusiasm and it will be awesome if it comes to Loughborough as it's full of athletes that are going to the Games."
Organisers are searching for people to carry the torch on its relay around the county.
They are inviting members of the public to nominate "inspirational people in the community" to make up the 600 torchbearers in the East Midlands.
To nominate someone, visit:
www.london2012.com/ olympic-torch-relay
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