Olympic torch relay to stop in Derby before 2012 Games

The Olympic torch will tour the country on its way to the opening ceremony

Derbyshire is to feature in the 2012 Olympic torch relay, it has been announced.

The relay will stop overnight in Derby on 29 June as part of a 70-day tour of the country as the torch is carried to London for the opening ceremony.

A major evening event is now being planned to celebrate the city's hosting of the torch.

Adam Wilkinson, Derby City Council's chief executive, said it was a "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Derby."

Derbyshire County Council and the University of Derby will also be involved in planning celebrations around the torch's arrival.

Land's End start

The exact route and runners of the Derbyshire leg of the relay have yet to be confirmed.

London 2012 chairman Lord Coe has outlined a UK route with more than 70 overnight and island stops.

The relay begins at Land's End, Cornwall, on 19 May 2012 and arrives at the Olympic opening ceremony in London on 27 July.

The route has been planned to ensure the torch comes within a one-hour journey for 95% of the population.

A nomination process will be used to pick the 8,000 torch bearers for the relay.