WITH only days to go before the Olympic torch comes to our region, organisers are encouraging people to line the route and cheer on the torch relay team.

Assistant chief constable Iain Spittal, who is leading the North Yorkshire Police section of the operation, said: “The relay celebrates local heroes, recognising their contribution to society and their achievements.

“For our local communities and every torch bearer, the relay represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

“It is our job to ensure they enjoy their moment in safety and security.”

Gary Verity, chief executive of tourism body Welcome to Yorkshire, said the arrival of the torch was an opportunity to showcase Yorkshire.

He said: “The torch will be taking in some of the most beautiful places in the UK and this is our chance to show our great county off to the world.

“With the torch travelling to within 15 minutes of more than 90 per cent of the population of Yorkshire we hope as many people as possible will go out to see this amazing spectacle.”

The Lord Mayor of York, Coun Keith Hyman, said he was also looking forward to welcoming the flame to the city.

“It’s a great honour to get the Olympic torch and it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for people to come and see it,” he said. “It will never happen again in many people’s lifetimes.

“I have followed sport all my life and still play golf so to have been chosen to be Lord Mayor in this particular year is just fantastic.”