Pre-Games tension swells as Olympic Flame draws closer to Sussex - thisissussex.co.uk

Pre-Games tension swells as Olympic Flame draws closer to Sussex - thisissussex.co.uk

THE Olympic Torch comes through Copthorne, Felbridge and East Grinstead on Tuesday.

Excitement is building across the area as residents, schools and councils prepare for the "once-in-a-lifetime" event - with at least 10,000 people expected to line the streets.

1. Men's hockey gold medalist Richard Leman

2. Men's hockey gold medalist Richard Leman

3. THE ROUTE

4. Toine Hodgkiss will be carrying the Olympic torch in East Grinstead next week

8. COUNCIL SPENDING: Reigate and Banstead Borough Council: £15-20,000 Mole Valley District Council: £15,000 Tandridge District Council: £1,500 Elmbridge Borough Council: £0 (the Torch is not passing through Elmbridge)

9. London 2012 Olympic Torch - official photo

10. London 2012 Olympic Torch prototype

The symbol of the Games was lit at a special ceremony on Mount Olympus in Greece in May, before being transported to the UK for a journey across the length and breadth of the country.

On Day 60 of the relay, the Flame is due to arrive in Copthorne at 9.40am on Tuesday, Felbridge at 10.01am and East Grinstead at 10.15am.

The Torch has 8,000 small holes in the handle to represent each Torchbearer.

Councillor Mandy Thomas-Atkin, chairman of Mid Sussex District Council, said: "We are tremendously honoured and proud to be part of the Olympic celebrations.

"We want people to come to town, to line the route, to cheer the Flame's passing – so as many Mid Sussex people can join the fun as possible in a morning of celebration for the whole district."

The first glimpse of the action will be the "activation convoy" of sponsors' vehicles.

There will be some interaction with the crowds and the possibility of free goodies.

Following along about ten minutes later will be the Torch convoy.

The Torch is being driven from Crawley to Copthorne where Torchbearers will start the relay in our area.

The first runner will collect the Torch in Brook Hill Road at the junction of Border Chase, turning right into Copthorne Bank and then right again into Borers Arms Road.

At the junction of Lashmere and Borers Arms Road, the Torch will again be driven, along the A264 to Felbridge.

The Torchbearers then resume in Felbridge, at the junction of Lyndhurst Farm Close.

The Torch then travels southwards on the A22 (London Road) into East Grinstead, proceeding along the High Street, Lewes Road, College Lane, Blackwell Hollow and Holtye Road, still in Torchbearer mode until Great Field Place.

It will then head towards Tunbridge Wells at about 11am.

As the Torch is not in running mode for the whole route, the council has warned spectators to plan their vantage points accordingly.

Send us your pictures, reports and comments from the day: E-mail editor. eastgrinstead@essnmedia.co.uk, tweet us @EG_Courier, or post on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/eastgrinstead

Source: www.thisissussex.co.uk