Olympic torch relay starts in Cornwall

The Olympic torch arrived in Cornwall on Friday from Athens for the start of a 70 day relay which will see it travel all around the UK. It will pass through the four nations of the United Kingdom – England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland – as well as making a trip to Dublin in the Irish Republic.

On its travels, the torch will be transported up mountains and across seas and lakes by a variety of means ranging from hot air balloons to motorcycle sidecar, tram and train.

It will pass the ancient trilithons of Stonehenge and climb the heights of Mount Snowdon. The organisers say the torch will go within an hour’s travelling time of 95 per cent of the UK’s population.

Use our interactive map to find out when the torch is near where you live

8,000 carriers will take turns to take the torch along the route and a series of free music and cultural events will be on offer along the way as part of the 80-day London 2012 festival.

Security will be tight, with a reported 70 Metropolitan police officers taking turns to run alongside the torchbearer. They will be supported by police from local constabularies, with some of these being armed.

Fire from the torch will eventually be used to light the Olympic flame at the London 2012 opening ceremony on 27 July.

Across the coming 70 days of torch relay it's true some 700 runners will be celebs and athletes - but that means 7,300 will simply be people chosen because they've devoted themselves to their village, town or city - or have overcome the most incredible obstacles.

So it is that in Dundee Ron McIntosh will be one of the torchbearers. He lost both legs after an infection whilst in hospital for a serious kidney illness in 2008. His life was only saved when a donor was finally found for a kidney transplant.

But he is a lifelong member of Hawkhill Harriers athletic club and has gone back to competitive athletics in the form of Race Walking, he has never stopped fighting for publicity for organ donation, and these efforts have been rewarded as Ron has been nominated to carry the Olympic torch.

Read more on Alex Thomson's blog