London 2012 torch relay: 28,000 through to next round

Locog wants local heroes from around the UK to carry the torch

Some 28,000 would-be torchbearers for the London 2012 Olympic torch relay have been told by email that they are through to the next selection round.

People have a one in 14 chance of success. Locog said 9,000 applications had been rejected in the initial stage.

In October, 12 panels across the country will examine the applications for 2,012 places to run from May 2012.

The 70-day relay before the Games will see 8,000 people take part, with 90% of places won through sponsors or Locog.

About 110 people per day will carry the Olympic flame from Lands End on its 8,000 mile journey around the UK to the Olympic Stadium in Stratford.

Nominations for Locog's 2,012 places closed in June, but the public has until September to apply for sponsors' schemes.

Locog's selection panels are being set up in the nations and regions in the coming weeks, and will choose the people to carry the torch in their area from 3 to 14 October.

They will be judged on the contribution they have made to their communities and personal achievements.

The London organising committee said the 9,000 unsuccessful applications so far were ruled out because they were duplicates, incomplete or did not comply with the terms and conditions of entry.

It had planned to hold a ballot for the next round, if there were 15 or more valid applications for every place. Now, all 28,000 nomination stories will go through to be reviewed anonymously by the panels.

Nominees received an email on Thursday saying: "Congratulations! As you know, (person's name) nominated you to be a London 2012 Olympic Torchbearer through our 'Moment to shine' campaign.

"We are delighted to let you know that you have made it through to the next stage of the process."

'Once in a lifetime'

Relay hopefuls have to confirm their details before 16 September. In the week beginning 5 December they will be told whether they will carry the torch.

Locog chair Sebastian Coe said: 'We are thrilled with the response we have had and would like to thank everyone who took the time to put friends, colleagues or family members forward for consideration for one of the 2,012 torchbearer places on offer through the 'Moment to Shine' campaign.

"With the selection panels set to review an average of 14 nominations for every one available place, difficult decisions will need to be taken.

"However, we should be proud so many inspiring people have been put forward to carry the Olympic Flame next summer and receive recognition for their achievements.'

Sports minister Hugh Robertson said the relay would bring "the magic of the Games to communities up and down the UK and give local heroes a once in a lifetime experience".

The Olympic Flame is lit in Olympia, Greece, and it is due to arrive in the on 18 May 2012 for the traditional curtain-raiser to the Games.

From 19 May the torch will take a 70-day tour of the nations and regions before reaching the Olympic Stadium for the Games opening ceremony on 27th July.