Olympic torch to visit West Berkshire

The flame will come to Newbury, Thatcham and Theale

THE Olympic torch will pass through West Berkshire in the build up to next year's Olympic Games in London.

The flame is scheduled to be carried throughout the UK between May 19 and July 27, when the games are due to start in the capital city.

A total of 8,000 torchbearers will carry it during the 70 day torch relay.

The torch will pass through Newbury, Thatcham and Theale on July 11 with more details being confirmed at a press conference this morning.

Thatcham Town Council said it was delighted to hear the news that the town has been chosen as part of the route for carrying the Olympic torch in July.

Town mayor Lee Dillon said: "This event will offer residents and visitors the opportunity to share in the Olympic spirit.

"Thatcham is already an important town historically and we hope that future generations will look back on 11th July 2012 as another historic day to remember."

The additional details will be announced later this morning by the district councillor for West Berkshire Enjoy, a programme of cultural and sporting activities and events for 2012, Carol Jackson-Doerge (Con, Burghfield) and Park House School and Sports College headteacher, Derek Peaple.

London will become the first city to officially host the modern Olympic Games three times, having previously done so in 1908 and in 1948.

To find out more about the Olympic torchbearers' route, log back on to Newburytoday.co.uk later today.