The Olympic Torch will be stopping off twice in Brentwood borough next year on route to the Olympic Village in Stratford.

On July 6 the flame will visit Brentwood town centre, and the village of Herongate – the smallest of all the communities in Essex hosting the torch.

Residents are invited to come to these host locations on the day to welcome the Olympic Flame and celebrate the achievements of the Torch Bearers.

Cllr Mark Reed, chair of the council’s business, community and culture panel, said: “I am thrilled to announce that the Olympic Torch will be making its journey to the Olympic Village via Brentwood and Herongate.

“This will give the people of Brentwood the opportunity to witness the passage of the Olympic Torch close to home as we count down to the start of the Games.

“This is very exciting news for Brentwood and will be our opportunity to demonstrate how the Olympic Spirit is alive and well in the borough.”

Sebastian Coe, Chair of the Olympics Organising Committee said: “We are thrilled to confirm that Brentwood town centre and Herongate will act as host locations for the Olympic Flame, extending an invitation to people in the borough to welcome the Olympic Torch Relay during its journey around the UK.

“This is the UK’s moment to shine and I want to encourage people across the borough to start planning how they can be part of this once in a lifetime opportunity.”