by Paul Francis

Kent has secured a good deal from the route of the Olympic torch relay, says sports minister and Faversham and Mid Kent MP Hugh Robertson.

The MP revealed the relay route will see the flame remain overnight in both Maidstone and Dover.

The news means that many more people will have the chance to see the torch relay passing through the county.

Mr Robertson, MP for Faversham and Mid Kent, said Dover, which had hoped to be the arrival point for the torch next May, should not be disappointed.

"Dover will be a very big part of the relay. The event is important because for many people, it is the first tangible evidence that the Olympics is coming and it is an opportunity for the Olympics to come out to communities.

"The key thing is that everyone in Kent will be within easy reach of the route and I hope people will get out and seize the chance to see the torch."

He said there had been strong lobbying from many areas to be the starting point for the 8,000 mile route and that in the end, Lands End had been a logical choice.

He urged people to nominate torch carriers from their local communities.

Related stories:

Announcement today on Olympic torch

Could you be an Olympic torch bearer?