The Organising Committee of the 2012 Olympic Games announced today that the Olympic torch will be brought to Brighton on Saturday 16th July as part of its tour of Britain before the Games commence on 27th July.

Mike has welcomed the news but has asked for the celebrations to include Hove and Portslade as well. Only Brighton has so far been confirmed as the venue and proceedings are likely to include an evening party on Madeira Drive where the flame will be used to light a cauldron.

Brighton has been selected as one of 70 locations around the country which will host the flame which arrived in England today. The flame will travel to Brighton from Portsmouth and will then go on to Hastings.

Mike said, “I am delighted that the flame is coming to Brighton. The occasion will be a fantastic opportunity to showcase our city to the world so let’s not leave out the best bits – Hove and Portslade. Various routes from Portsmouth into Brighton are being considered and I have urged the Olympic Committee not to forget Hove and Portslade.”