THOUSANDS of spectators are expected to attend an event to mark the arrival of the Olympic torch in the North-East.

Details have been announced of a celebration in Durham City on Saturday, June 16, to welcome the Olympic flame.

TV personality Matt Baker and Ashes cricketer Paul Collingwood are among those taking part in two days of events to mark the occasion, with thousands of spectators likely to line the streets along the route of the torch relay.

Details were revealed on the day the flame was lit from the sun’s rays on Olympia, birthplace of the Games, ahead of its journey to London.

A large screen on The Racecourse will broadcast live coverage of the relay as it makes it way through the county, while BBC presenter Matt Baker will run the last leg of the relay before lighting a cauldron on The Racecourse which will burn throughout the celebration evening.

The County Durham-born presenter said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be carrying the Olympic flame in my home county.

“It will be an honour and a privilege to be part of such a once-in-a-generation moment.”

Organisers say the event will include performances by indie rock trio Little Comets and the award-winning Deerness Gymnastics Academy.

Durham County Council leader Councillor Simon Henig said: “Both the Olympic Torch Relay and the evening celebration event will ensure that our residents feel part of this historic moment.”

On Sunday, June 17, the torch will resume its journey after a breakfast event in the Market Place, taken on its next leg by Shotley Bridge-born England cricketer Paul Collingwood.

Among the runners selected for the honour of carrying the torch as it passes through County Durham are 85-yearold Larry Smith and 80-yearold Ken Allday, both of whom keep in shape at Abbey Leisure Centre, in Pity Me.

Mr Smith, from Pittington, was a marshall at the London Olympics in 1948 and will be the oldest torchbearer in County Durham when he carries the flame through Blackhall Colliery on June 17.

He said: “It is a once in a lifetime honour. It is really great to be given the chance to take part in such a historic event.”