Four-time Olympic gold medalist Sir Chris Hoy, above left, nominates former British Cycling national coach Geoff Cooke, above right, to carry the London 2012 Olympic Flame with Lloyds TSB.

What is the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay?

The Olympic Games are heading for London in just over a year’s time and Lloyds TSB is backing the great occasion every step of the way.

As the National Presenting Partner of the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay, Lloyds TSB is making sure as many people as possible in the UK see the Olympic Flame.

The London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay will be a 70-day celebration that will see the Olympic Flame carried across the length and breadth of the UK all the way to the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games.

The Olympic Flame will be lit in Olympia, Greece, before arriving in the UK on May 18, 2012. It will be carried across the UK by 8,000 inspirational Torchbearers on a relay through towns and cities coming within a one-hour journey for 95 per cent of the population, past famous sights and landmarks, before arriving at the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games on July 27 2012.

The community-level route will be announced later this year.

Lloyds TSB London 2012 Olympic Torch Tour 

The Lloyds TSB London 2012 Olympic Torch Tour is an interactive exhibition bringing the excitement of the Olympic Torch Relay to local communities across the UK between 9 June and 4 September 2011.

Visitors can have their photo taken with a prototype London 2012 Olympic Torch and learn about the history of the Olympic Torch Relay.

The Tour will visit over 80 communities across the UK, including town and city centres and Lloyds TSB branches.

Everyone is invited to visit the Lloyds TSB London 2012 Olympic Torch Tour and to share the journey.

Check out when the Lloyds TSB London 2012 Olympic Torch Tour will be visiting a community near you at  lloydstsb.com/torchtour

How can I nominate someone to be an Olympic Torchbearer?

Lloyds TSB is providing people with the chance to nominate someone who has made a difference in their local community.

Their reward could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be a London 2012 Olympic Torchbearer in the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay.

It could be a coach who helps young athletes, the teenager for volunteering in the community, the mum who raises money for charity or simply someone who has inspired you.

How to nominate

Find out how to nominate someone at http://www.lloydstsb.com/carrytheflame. Please use campaign code LONDON2012.  All entries must be received by 12th September 2011.

o Lloyds TSB is the promoter.

o Nominations close on 12th September 2011.

o Anyone nominated (nominee) under the Trinity keyword is not eligible to be considered under any of the 800 Bank Torchbearer opportunities available.

o Nominators and nominees must be 12 years or over. If a nominee under 18 is chosen to take part a parent or guardian must sign a consent form in order to participate.

o Torchbearers will be selected by a selection panel chosen by the Trinity partnership. 

o Participation in the Olympic Torch Relay (“Relay”) is subject to LOCOG approval.

o Nominators and Nominees agree to publicity in connection with their participation in the Relay.

o Further terms and conditions apply. See http://www.lloydstsblondon2012.co.uk/en/carrytheflame/Terms-and-conditions/ 

Dave Heeley is the perfect candidate

Marathon runner Blind Dave Heeley is the perfect candidate to be chosen to carry the Olympic torch.

So much so a Facebook website has even been set up supporting his nomination and has been ‘liked’ by 2,332 people.

The 52-year-old from West Bromwich broke records when he ran seven marathons in seven continents in seven days and has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for charity through his fundraising efforts over the years

Mr Heeley, a father-of-three of Oak Road, said: “It would be the ultimate honour, a West Brom lad getting his hands on such a torch.

“This would be a fabulous opportunity for me to get involved in the games and promote the region and I would like to thank everyone that has offered me support.”

And Sandwell’s Council leader Councillor Darren Cooper has also backed the campaign.

He said: “Dave was the first blind person in the world to complete the ultimate endurance challenge – seven marathons in seven days on seven continents – ‘pushing the boundaries of human endeavour’ according to Sir Ranulph Fiennes.

“He is a global hero thanks to his achievements – but his roots remain firmly in Sandwell and we are very proud of him.  We would love to see him carry the torch on his home patch.”