With only a few weeks to go before the Olympic torch arrives in the area, Selby District Council is encouraging people to take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

On Tuesday 19 June the torch relay will go through Camblesforth, Selby, Monk Fryston, Barkston Ash and Tadcaster on its way from Hull to York.  In all of these areas there will be opportunities to take part in the event and watch the torch procession.

The torch arrives at Camblesforth at 9am; it will be in Selby at 9.15am, Monk Fryston at 10.15am, Barkston Ash at around 10.40am and Tadcaster at 10.55am.  It then moves on to York, where it will spend the night.

The Olympic torch is travelling to every part of the UK ahead of the London Games, which begin on Friday 27 July.  The torch route is designed to be within ten miles of 95% of the population.

Local businesses are being encouraged to take advantage of the potential influx of visitors expected on the day.

Deputy Leader of Selby District Council, Cllr Gillian Ivey, said, "We want people to make a day of it in the Selby district; it's a great opportunity for us to show off our district, which was recently voted the best rural area in the north.

"For people coming to see the torch in Selby town, why not make a day of it?  There's the Abbey, Selby Park and a wide range of shops in the town too; all with easy bus and train access.

"A lot of schools are involved in the event, and I'd encourage as many people as possible to support the torch as it passes through our area.  It's likely to be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity; so let's grab it!"

There is still an opportunity for people to take part by working as stewards during the day.  You must be aged 18 or over.  For more details, please contact Laura Cobb on 07880 733963.

Full details of the route can be found here.