TEIGNMOUTH has been given another national accolade – it will receive the Olympic torch on its relay to London.

The flame will arrive in the town on Sunday, May 20, from Torbay, and will be carried on to Exeter next day.

The details of the celebrations in the resort are still being finalised, but it is hoped the event will attract crowds from around the area.

The torch will land in the UK from Greece on May 18, where it will be taken on a 70-day journey around the country towards the Olympic stadium.

'We are delighted to be among the first to welcome the flame, and I have no doubt the relay will prove a huge attraction for Teignmouth,' said Cllr Sylvia Russell, Teignbridge tourism spokesman.

'We are busy planning celebrations for the day to showcase the best that our district has to offer.'

Cllr George Gribble, Teignbridge spokesman for communities, recreation and leisure, added: 'We can't wait for the torch to come here. It's only fitting that a district with so many talented sports people, volunteers and coaches should be visited by the globally recognised symbol of sports, peace, unity and friendship.

'We have been celebrating the news with our shortlisted local torchbearers, who will know by the end of the year whether they have been chosen to carry the flame.

'There will be a host of local events.'

Lord Sebastian Coe, head of the Olympic organising committee, said: 'I want to encourage people across Teignbridge to start planning how they can be part of this once in a lifetime opportunity to show their support for the inspirational torchbearers chosen to carry the flame.

'This is the UK's moment to shine, and I am thrilled that Teignmouth will as one of the hosts for the torch.'

Pictured are the shortlisted local torchbearers with councillors and officials.