Local businesses within the Selby district are being urged to seize the 'golden business opportunity' when the Olympic torch passes through the area later this year.

On 19 June the torch will make its way through Camblesforth, Selby, Monk Fryston, Barkston Ash and Tadcaster before arriving in York for an overnight stay. It's anticipated that a number of events will be organised to celebrate the torch passing through our community and to ensure the torch has a rapturous welcome.

Selby District Council is now urging businesses to plan ahead for the day and view it as an opportunity which could see a jump in visitor numbers to the area. Businesses are also being reminded of the torch's visit so they can plan ahead and be are aware of any potential impact that the route of the torch may have, for example, on potential deliveries on that day.

Deputy Leader of Selby District Council, Cllr Gillian Ivey, said, "We view the Torch Relay as a fantastic event for the whole of Selby District and we hope that local businesses will agree and seize what could be a 'golden' opportunity.

"Not only is it a unique and very special opportunity for residents to witness the spectacle of the Olympic Flame, it's also a golden chance for businesses to join in the event.

"We expect many more people to be out and about in the district, joining in with the celebrations as we welcome the flame and the torchbearers into our communities to mark the countdown to the London 2012 Olympics."

The Town and Parish Councils along the route are working with local schools and community groups so that the communities can come together to see the Torch Relay. Together they form the 'Selby District Torch Relay Group', which is coordinated and facilitated by Selby District Council. The group also includes the Police, North Yorkshire Highways, the Fire and Rescue Service, North Yorkshire County Council and Selby College. Full details of the route are available online by visiting www.london2012.com/olympic-torch-relay-map.

Cllr. Ivey added, "The District Council's role is to coordinate local activity with all the organisations and agencies involved to ensure the torch has a smooth, safe and memorable journey as it passes through the district. It's a real opportunity to show off the growing community spirit in our towns and villages but local businesses may need to plan ahead to ensure the event brings no disruption to them."

The Council and its leisure services provider, WLCT, are also working with the district's Community Engagement Forums, to use the Olympics to inspire a number of district-wide events encouraging people to get active and more involved in their local area. The weekend of 23 and 24 June will be the 'Selby District Mini Olympics'. There will be an opening ceremony in Selby's amphitheatre on June 22 which will include a special open air musical performance. The mini-games will be a chance for people to try a number of different activities.

A timetable of events will be released nearer the time of the event. If you would like your sports club or community group to get involved, contact Robin Bedford on r.bedford@wlct.org or on 01937 834375.