The Olympic flame will arrive in Brentwood and Herongate on July 6 – exactly seven years to the day since it was announced that London would host the 2012 Games.

The torch will be carried along the A128 Ingrave Road from the village to the town. It will then travel up Shenfield Road – finishing at the junction with Middleton Road.

Residents are being encouraged to line the route to welcome the flame and celebrate the torch bearers’ achievements.

Among the torchbearers are Louise Jones, 18, of Hutton, who attends St Martin’s School and is a former Channel 4 Young Blogger of the Year.

She was picked last May but had to keep it secret until this week.

She said: “It’s so exciting being asked to be a torchbearer and such a relief that I don’t have to keep it a secret anymore.

“This is such a big thing – a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I can’t wait to take part.”

Les Snellin, 75, of Abridge, will also be carrying the flame through Brentwood.

He was a competitive cyclist in his youth, who then started coaching juniors and adult beginners at Theydon Bois Tennis Club.

Cancer battle

Over the past few years, he has battled against cancer – undergoing numerous operations and extensive chemotherapy.

But he has overcome it all to return to the club as a player and coach.

He said: “It truly is a tremendous honour to be involved in the Olympic torch relay. It is a real privilege to be chosen to bring the Olympic Flame to Brentwood.

“Never did I think I would have the opportunity to take part in such a fantastic event and now I get to be part of this year’s Olympic legacy – at 75!”

Cllr Mark Reed, chairman of Brentwood Council’s business, community and culture panel, said: “It will be a spectacle not to be missed.

“Behind the scenes, Brentwood Borough Council has been making plans for this day for some months and there are some very exciting activities planned to welcome the torch, which we expect to attract thousands of extra visitors on the day.”

n For more details about the route, visit www.brentwood.gov.uk/olympic-torch-relay.