Southwark to play its part on the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay Route

The route that the Olympic Flame takes across the country next year is announced today, and Southwark residents will get a chance to be part of the excitement, as the torch is carried through the borough.

Southwark is one of over 1,000 villages, towns, cities and London boroughs announced by the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) through which the Olympic Flame will be carried by Torchbearers during the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay which is presented by Coca-Cola, Lloyds TSB and Samsung. LOCOG has worked closely with representatives from a number of sectors in Southwark to devise the route which will travel through each of the 33 London boroughs as part of its journey.

Cllr Veronica Ward, cabinet member for culture, leisure, sport and the Olympics at Southwark Council, said:

"I'm thrilled by this news. Seeing the Olympic Flame being taken through the streets of Southwark will be a once in a lifetime experience for many of our borough's residents.

Because it is passing through our streets the day before the London 2012 Games are due to open, this will mean all eyes are on Southwark, and that's going to be hugely exciting for everyone who lives, works and studies in our borough. We've done so much already in our borough to prepare for next year's Games, and this will be another exciting event for us."

Sebastian Coe, Chair of LOCOG said:

"We are thrilled to confirm that Southwark will act as a host location for the Olympic Flame on 26 July, extending an invitation to people across the borough to welcome the Olympic Torch Relay during its journey around the UK. This is the UK 's moment to shine and I want to encourage people across Southwark 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."