Burnley residents are looking forward to getting a close look at the Olympic torch as it passes through the town next year.
The Olympic flame will travel through the town on July 23 as part of its 70-day relay through the UK.
More than 1,000 cities, towns and villages have been given a slot on the route, which will start at Land’s End, Cornwall, in May.
Burnley Mayor David Heginbotham said: “This is a massive honour for our town. The Olympic Torch is passing through many places across the country but it’s wonderful that Burnley gets to host the torch team. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for people to see it at first hand.
“It doesn’t matter whether you’re a sports fan or not, this is a great boost for our town and I’m sure people will turn out in their thousands to see the Olympic Torch make its way through our borough. I’m certain that Burnley people will want to show the organisers and the rest of the world that we’ve got the Olympic spirit.”
Sebastian Coe, Chair of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games, said: ‘We are thrilled to confirm that Burnley will act as a host location for the Olympic Flame, extending an invitation to people in the borough of Burnley to welcome the Olympic Torch Relay during its journey around the UK.
“This is the UK’s moment to shine and I want to encourage people across Burnley to start planning how they can be part of this once in a lifetime opportunity and show their support for the inspirational Torchbearers chosen to carry the Olympic Flame as we count down to the start of the Olympic Games.”