Farron: 'Olympic torch will bring huge tourist opportunities to the South Lakes'

Local MP Tim Farron has welcomed the news that the South Lakes will be a part of the Olympic torch relay route.

Today it was announced which lucky communities from the South Lakes would bear witness to the Olympic Flame being carried by Torchbearers as part of the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay. The torch will leave Land's End, Cornwall, on the morning of Saturday 19 May 2012, taking 70 days to reach its final destination.

On Day 34 (21 June), it will pass through Grasmere, Ambleside and Bowness-On-Windermere, and on Day 35 (22 June) it will pass through Kendal and Milnthorpe.

It is expected that there will be thousands celebrating, and Tim is hoping that people from all over the country will come to the South Lakes to see this momentous occasion.

At the announcement today, Tim was joined by the Leader of SLDC, Councillor Brendan Jameson, the Chief Executive Lawrence Conway and the Chairman of Windermere Lake Cruises Bill Bewley, and school children from around the district to celebrate the news.

Commenting, Tim said: "I am delighted that the Olympic torch is passing through our communities. I have no doubt that we will embrace it fully and that various celebrations will be held across the South Lakes. It is a great opportunity and I believe it is necessary that we make the most of it and invite others to join us in our celebrations."