London 2012: Olympic torch to visit Robin Hood's Major Oak

Zena Robinson from Worksop will be among the first people in Nottinghamshire to run with the Olympic Torch

The Olympic torch relay is to visit Robin Hood's Major Oak in Nottinghamshire as part of its journey across the UK.

The relay will enter the county on 28 June arriving at Darlton first.

It will then pass through East Markham, Tuxford, Kirton, Boughton, Edwinstowe, Mansfield, Kelham, Newark-on-Trent, Balderton and Radcliffe-on-Trent.

After a visit to Nottingham's National Ice Centre, the city will host the flame for an overnight celebration.

Nottingham City Council is also planning events and activities to mark the Games, including a street racing day when a 60m (196ft) running track will be installed in the city centre.

The relay will also visit Newstead Abbey, the National Watersports Centre, and will begin its journey to Derbyshire from the Robin Hood statue outside Nottingham Castle on 29 June.

It is due to arrive at the Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre in Edwinstowe at 10:30 BST, before making its way along the High Street towards Mansfield Road.

<link> <caption>Nottinghamshire County Council</caption> <url href="http://www.nottscc.gov.uk/sportforall" platform="highweb"/> </link> , which runs the centre, has produced maps of more than 20 locations across the county where the torch will visit.

Councillor John Cottee, cabinet member for culture and community, said: "It will be a once in a lifetime opportunity for our local communities across Nottinghamshire to see the Olympic torch relay.

"With news that the route will include Sherwood Forest and the National Watersports Centre as part of the relay's journey across Nottinghamshire, this announcement really does bring the route to life and will encourage people to get involved in celebrating this historic event."

The torch is due to arrive in Newark shortly after 14:00 BST, before heading to Belton House in Lincolnshire on its way to Nottingham.

The procession is due to arrive at the National Water Sports Centre in Nottingham at 17:00 BST.

It will then pass through West Bridgford and down the Victoria Embankment in Nottingham, before reaching the National Ice Centre just before 18:30 BST.

Nottinghamshire torchbearers

The torch will leave Nottingham Castle at 08:20 BST on 29 June and makes its way down Gregory Boulevard heading for Glapwell in Derbyshire.

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

One of the torchbearers selected to carry the flame through Nottingham is 21-year old Alexander Eustace, who represented the East Midlands in the Special Olympics National Games in Leicester in 2009, where he won a gold and silver medal.

Alexander was nominated for his contribution to raising awareness of the Special Olympics and his work coaching tennis sessions for people with learning difficulties.

"The thought of carrying the torch makes me nervous, excited and proud," he said.

"Being part of the 2012 Olympic legacy is a once in a lifetime opportunity and this is a chance for ordinary people to shine along with the athletes."

Another torchbearer to be selected is 16-year old Megan Arnold from West Bridgford.

Megan, who was nominated by her friend Isaac Mills, 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 coaches free basketball sessions for children in Nottinghamshire, will carry the torch through Wymeswold, Leicestershire.

In the future Megan says she hopes to play basketball for the national team and work with disabled children to help them achieve their sporting potential.