London 2012: National Space Centre in torch relay route

The 2012 Olympic torch will stop at the National Space Centre on 3 July

The Olympic torch is to visit a number of famous landmarks in Leicestershire and Rutland during its relay journey across the UK.

The relay will enter Leicestershire on 2 July in Market Harborough.

Runners will then travel through Lubenham, Foxton, Kibworth Harcourt and Oadby before arriving in Leicester for an overnight stop.

Among the route highlights will be a visit to the National Space Centre and The Great Central Railway.

London 2012 organisers Locog have revealed the procession will also visit Loughborough University and Foxton Locks.

Torchbearers will also run through Quorn, Hoton, Asfordby, Melton Mowbray, Wymeswold, Langham, Oakham and Uppingham, in Rutland, on 3 July.

From Uppingham the torch will travel to Rutland Water, before making its way to Peterborough, via Burghley House in Stamford, Lincolnshire.

One of the torchbearers selected to carry the flame through Leicestershire is 16-year-old Megan Arnold from West Bridgford in Nottinghamshire.

Megan said it was amazing to be part of the Olympic torch relay

Megan, who was nominated by her friend, Isaac Mills, will carry the flame through Wymeswold.

She said: "It means a great deal to me to be involved in the Olympic torch relay and I have already met loads of amazing people.

"It is absolutely amazing to be part of the Olympic legacy and it will make a great story to tell when I'm older."

Megan, who runs free basketball sessions for children, said in the future she hoped to play basketball for the national team and work with disabled children to help them achieve their sporting potential.

Another torchbearer selected to carry the torch through Leicestershire is 12-year-old James Barker from Shepshed High School.

James, who will carry the torch through Loughborough, was nominated as part of theGet Setprogramme for his contribution to school sport and for inspiring others to take part.

"I am extremely excited. At first it was a shock, but now I am thrilled and looking forward to the opportunity.

"I think my parents are just as excited as I am, if not a little more," he said.