The Olympic torch will blaze through the Bradford district next summer as the country prepares for the London 2012 games.

Bradford, Keighley and Ilkley Skipton and Brighouse were today announced as host locations to welcome the flame as part of the London 2012 Olympic torch relay.

Bradford Council leader Ian Greenwood described it as a fantastic opportunity for residents across the district to witness the spectacle and share in the excitement of the Olympic torch relay.

“It will provide a chance to mark the countdown to the games and to support and celebrate the achievements of those who have been chosen to run with the Olympic flame,” he said.

Phil Barker, Bradford Council’s assistant director for sport and leisure, said: “We will find out more details about the exact route over the coming months and will be able to share with local communities how they can best get involved in our host locations.”

The London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) has identified more than 1,000 cities, towns and villages through which torchbearers will carry the Olympic flame during the 70-day relay.

It will start at Land’s End, Cornwall, on the morning of May 19 before travelling an estimated 8,000 miles around the UK. The firm date on which it will travel through the Bradford district will be announced next year, though it seems likely to be in June.

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