Sporting display to greet Olympic torch in Newport

A spectacular show of sporting theatre is on the cards for Newport when the Olympic Torch is paraded through the town in May, a meeting has heard.

The flame will pass through the town on May 30 as part of its relay across the UK before London's 2012 Olympics and town clerk Lee Jakeman said an 'exciting' show awaited those who came along.

He told Wednesday's town council meeting the highlight would be a display led by Newport & District Running Club and Newport Cycling Club.

He said: "The two groups have organised a piece of sporting theatre that will take place shortly before the torch arrives in Newport.

"The cycling club will run a mini team pursuit exactly like the event Chris Hoy competes in.

"Two teams of six children will race against each other. They will start at opposite sides on the road, one will go one way, one the other. You will then see them race and see who crosses the line first.

"Coaches from the cycling club are currently going into schools to teach the children how to ride and race in a line."

Mr Jakeman said Newport & District Running Club was also organising a race involving schools.

He said: "The running club want to get the local primary and junior schools into a relay.

"The runners will race up and down part of the route. There will be nine schools with 10 children each.

"We have met the heads or deputy heads at all the schools to sort everything out. It's sports theatre – a running and cycle race. But there will be lots more added to that," he added.

The plans were welcomed by members of the town council.

Councillor Adrian Meredith said: "This will be spectacular. It will be an event that goes down in the history of Newport."

Councillor Peter Scott added: "This is going to be fantastic. I truly believe it will be one of the best things we have held in the town. It' is going to be big and I'm really looking forward to it."

The International Olympic Committee will announce times and the names of the torch bearers on Monday.