by Adam Williams

awilliams@thekmgroup.co.uk

The famous Olympic torch will visit Canterbury and Faversham next summer as it tours around the UK between May and July.

London 2012 organisers have today confirmed the route the torch will take as it travels around Kent. Canterbury and Faversham will get their chance to host the iconic flame on Thursday, July 19 next year on its route between Dover and Maidstone.

Hundreds of school children and community groups are expected to line the relay route, while torchbearers from the area have been nominated since earlier this year.

Other villages and communities along the relay route include Chislet, Westbere, Sturry, Thanington, Boughton and Sheldwich.

In total, the torch will visit more than 1,000 communities with an anticipated 8,000 torchbearers expected to have their moment in the spotlight.

Canterbury City Council’s executive member for sport, Cllr Darren Ellis, said the Flame’s arrival would be a wonderful opportunity for local people to celebrate the Olympics.

He added: “Excitement will be really building by the time the Flame comes to Canterbury because there will only be eight days to go until the start of the Olympics.

"We saw a fantastic atmosphere in 2007 when we hosted the Tour de France and this is set to be another of those occasions when local people turn out in force to join in the party."

You can see the route in full by visiting www.london2012.com/olympic-torch-relay-map