London's 2012 Olympic torch relay stops revealed

Overnight destinations in London for the 2012 Olympic Games' torch relay have been announced.

The flame will spend an evening in Waltham Forest, Bexley, Wandsworth, Ealing, Haringey and Westminster.

A major evening event will be held in each of the authorities. Only one of five Olympic boroughs is on the list.

The torch will first arrive in the capital on 20 July at Tower Bridge. It is anticipated it will then be carried through all 32 London boroughs.

Is is also thought the torch will be transported on the River Thames, as it heads east to the Olympic Stadium on 27 July 2012 for the lighting of the cauldron at the Opening Ceremony, signifying the start of the Games.

The announcement comes a year to the day before the Olympic flame's arrival in the UK.

The search has begun for 8,000 torch bearers to carry out the relay across the UK.

The flame will travel for approximately 12 hours each day for the 70-day-long tour.

It will rest overnight at many locations, including the six London boroughs newly announced, where there will be an evening of entertainment.

Westminster Council's deputy leader, Councillor Robert Davis, said: "We are thrilled the Olympic torch will be coming to Westminster and look forward to playing our part in the celebrations and in the Games themselves.

"Events during the London 2012 Games are not limited to just the Olympic park but take place across London.

"We are very proud that this includes holding the volleyball in Horse Guards Parade, the swimming leg of the triathlon in the Serpentine as well as archery at Lord's Cricket Ground, and part of the cycling road race in Regent's Park."

Waltham Forest Council leader, Councillor Chris Robbins, said: "It's brilliant news we'll be hosting the torch - we're an Olympic borough and this will fire people's imagination in the run-up to a fantastic Olympic year.

"We're going to pull out all the stops to make sure we welcome the torch here in style and we hope residents will come out and watch the torch as it makes its way through our borough and cheer it on its way.

"This is just one of a range of events we've got planned to celebrate the arrival of the Olympics in 2012 and we want to make the Games unforgettable for our residents."

But the other four east London Olympic boroughs - Greenwich, Hackney, Newham and Tower Hamlets - will not get an overnight stop. They may organise day events.

Hackney Council revealed the flame will definitely visit them at some point.

Jules Pipe, Mayor of Hackney, said: "As a 2012 host borough, we're very pleased the flame will be visiting Hackney and are working closely with Locog on the specific details of the route it will take to ensure that as many local people can take part as possible."

A spokesman for Newham Council said: "We are delighted with Locog's plans for the torch relay in Newham."

Hugh Robertson, Minister for Sport and the Olympics, said: "The Olympic torch relay brings London 2012 to the doorsteps of the UK, giving everybody the chance to celebrate the Games.

"It's a magnificent showcase for the country and a chance to mark the achievements of inspirational people in our communities."