THE honour of hosting the 2012 Olympic torch will be bestowed on Worcester.

The Faithful City is one of 70 UK locations and one of only four in the West Midlands chosen to take part in the Olympic torch relay.

It will be the first in the region to receive the flame.

Simon Geraghty, leader of Worcester City Council, said he was sure the people of Worcester would be excited by the announcement.

He said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to bring Worcester to national attention.

"It will help to boost the local visitor economy and I’m sure it will be something the whole city will get behind.”

A yet-to-be named torchbearer, nominated from the community, will carry the torch through Worcester on Thursday, May 24, 2012.

The Olympic Flame will remain in the city overnight while a public celebration will be held to mark the occasion and showcase local talent, culture and heritage.

Georgia Smith, head of the VisitWorcester tourism body, said: “Being early in the relay and first in the West Midlands will give us a chance to show the nation how wonderful Worcester is.

“At the evening celebration we are looking forward to showing Worcester’s creative talent, beautiful environment and wealth of history that makes our city a unique place to live and visit.”

Simon Tipple, manager of county tourism body Destination Worcestershire, said the torch’s trip to Worcester would give the county and city global exposure.

He said: “It can only improve the profile of Worcestershire.”

Sebastian Coe, chairman of London 2012 Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games said: “We are thrilled that Worcester City Council and Visit Worcester have agreed to host the Olympic Flame on its journey right across the UK.

“The Olympic Flame will shine a light right across Worcester, celebrating the culture and heritage of the area and showcasing the best the city has to offer.”

The Olympic Flame will arrive in the UK from Greece on Friday, May 18, 2012, with the relay starting at Land’s End, Cornwall, the next day.

The torch will then be carried 8,000 miles across the UK, stopping at 70 different locations, on its way to the Olympic Stadium, where it will arrive on July 27, 2012, for the lighting of the cauldron at the Opening Cere-mony.

To nominate Worcester’s torchbearer, visit london2012.com/olympictorchrelay by 11.59pm on Wednesday, June 29, 2011.

• Who do YOU think should bear the torch for Worcester? Tell us below.