EXCLUSIVEby Andy Gray
agray@thekmgroup.co.uk

The idea of sailing the world’s most famous torch along the river has been floated by Maidstone’s Olympic committee.

In plans exclusively revealed to the KM, the flame could take a watery journey through the centre of town during next year’s historic visit.
Maidstone council hopes the spectacular stunt, in which the torch would be carried in a rowing boat, will attract worldwide coverage and thousands of visitors.

Cllr Martin Cox, a member of the organising committee, said: “We hope to be able to carry the torch through the river section of Maidstone with majesty and splendour.

"This means people will see a lovely historical part of town and its splendid river.

"Doing something different like this will hopefully generate more TV coverage than if we had it travel exclusively by road.”

Maidstone will be the penultimate stop on the torch’s 70-day tour of the UK, as it heads to the capital for the 2012 London Olympics.

Before its watery journey, it will arrive at Leeds Castle on July 19 for a cauldron-lighting celebration, with a similar ceremony taking place in Mote Park.

Two people, nominated by the public, will carry the flame during its land-based relay through Maidstone.

Discussions are ongoing regarding what route the torch should take through town, but it is hoped the aquatic leg of the ceremony will take place between Archbishop’s Palace and Maidstone Rowing Club.