The Olympic torch could parade its way through Newport on the back of a tractor, it emerged today.

The spectacle is one of a number of ideas being mooted to celebrate the arrival of the torch in Shropshire as part of its relay through the UK next year. The Wenlock Olympian Society has suggested the parade through Newport should highlight the town’s agricultural heritage.

The torch will pass through Newport on May 30.

Helen Cromarty, for the Wenlock Olympian Society, has said the torch could be passed from tractor to tractor.

She told a meeting of Newport and District Chamber of Commerce: “Newport has got the Newport Show, a farmer’s market and an agricultural university college.

“It seems that’s their forte. I think a tractor parade with the torch would be a spectacle.”

Ms Cromarty said it was important to put on a show to get as many people involved as possible.

“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime event so we want people to be involved,” she added.

The torch will be carried down Wellington Road, past Moorfield Primary School, before heading to Gnosall and onto Stafford.

Patrick Beech, Chamber of Commerce chairman, said a tractor parade would be good.

He added: “I think we’re privileged to have the torch coming through Newport.

“We want to make an occasion out of it and make the most of it. As well as tractors, perhaps we could put the bunting up and decorate shop windows.

“We want to put Newport on the map, which can only be good for business.”

Telford & Wrekin Council is organising the torch relay through the borough with advice from town and parish councils.

Town mayor Councillor Roy Scammell said: “There are quite a lot of ideas coming out for the Olympic torch relay.

“I’d urge people to get in touch with the chairman of the town council’s leisure and environmental services committee Councillor Peter Scott to take them forward.

“It’s an important occasion for Newport and we need to think carefully.”