by Rachel Hovenden

rhovenden@thekmgroup.co.uk

A hockey star is getting ready to carry the Olympic flame through Gravesend tomorrow.

Chatham-born Ashley Jackson, 24, will carry the torch along Milton Road near Cumberland Avenue at about 10.12am.

He said: "It's an honour to be chosen to carry the torch, not many people get the opportunity to do something like this, and it makes you feel even more a part of the games.

"The support has been overwhelming and for the streets to be lined with thousands of people for each leg it shows that everyone will be behind us."

His first match in the Olympics as part of TeamGB is against Argentina on Monday, July 30.

Ashley is a former Sutton Valence School, Maidstone, pupil and began his hockey career in Tunbridge Wells.

Unusual plans

And as people prepare for the torch to come through the borough tomorrow, some have rather different ideas in store.

People in Higham will get out their top hats and tails to welcome the Olympic torch to the village.
Higham parish council chairman Jennifer Papadopulos, pictured, said: “How could we not celebrate Dickens, who lived here? How could we not celebrate his 200th anniversary at an event like this?
“It will be great fun."

Torch route

The Olympic torch will enter Higham at 9.31am with torchbearers walking down Gravesend Road before the flame leaves the village at 9.37am.

It will then arrive in Gravesend via Rochester Road at about 9.51am and travel along Milton Road past the clock tower and up Edwin Street, then Saddington Street, before a photocall at the Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara where the torches will meet.

The flame will then head back along Saddington Street, down The Grove, and along Milton Road past the clock tower again, down King Street, New Road, Darnley Road, Pelham Road, Old Road West and Wrotham Road.

It is set to leave the town at 10.41am.

People wanting to see the flame are urged to get there at least 20 minutes before it is due to arrive.

All timings are approximate.

Keep valuables safe

Kent Police's district commander for Gravesham, Dt Insp Phil Painter, said that it was working with the council and LOCOG by providing officers including specials and PCSOs along the route.

He added: "I would advise people to keep their valuables safe.

"Put your purse in your handbag and shut the top of the handbag and don't bring lots of money - it's a free event.

"We want people to come along and have a brilliant time.

"The weather is going to be great, there will be big crowds.

"We are putting staff out to support the council.

"We have 10 members of the special constabulary out on foot in the east, west and south of the town."