THE iconic Olympic torch will be coming to Suffolk in the build up to the London 2012 Games, The Evening Star can reveal today.

THE iconic Olympic torch will be coming to Suffolk in the build-up to the London 2012 Games, The Evening Star can reveal today.

The historic flame will have an overnight stop in Ipswich on July 5, 2012 on its way to the opening ceremony – passing through many communities on its way.

Olympic bosses made an official announcement this morning on where the relay will stop.

The exact route will not be known until later this year but to get to and from Ipswich the iconic torch will have to pass through many Suffolk communities, giving people the chance to see the procession and feel part of the Games.

It will travel to Peterborough on July 3, Norwich on July 4, Ipswich on July 5, Chelmsford on July 6, Cambridge on July 7 and Luton on July 8.

The London 2012 Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) made their announcement this morning – exactly one year until the flame arrives in the UK on its way to the opening ceremony.

The news has been welcomed by tourism bosses and business chiefs who will be keen to take advantage of the prestigious event.

Tim Passmore, chief executive of Choose Suffolk, said: “This is great news. To be a host of such a once in a generation global event as the Olympic torch relay is an honour for our county.

“While the torch will be with us we will have the window of the world watching. People around the globe will see what Suffolk has to offer.

“This opportunity, to showcase our county, is exciting and one that we much look forward too.”

John Dugmore, chief executive of Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, said: “We are delighted that the Olympic torch will be coming to Suffolk. This is a wonderful opportunity to showcase our county and for the many businesses, big and small, across Suffolk to raise their profile and be involved in a truly worldwide event. It will also help bring a boost to our economy and with our members we look forward to taking part in this historic occasion.”

The public nomination programme to find the torchbearers to carry the Olympic flame is also being launched today.

People will be encouraged to get in touch and put forward the names of those who they think should carry the flame.

This could include 92-year-old Felixstowe resident Stan Cox, who competed over 10,000m the last time the Olympic Games were held in London in 1948.

“I would dearly loved to be involved,” he said.