Olympics

The Olympic torch endured a troublesome time en route from Athens to Beijing so hopefully Suffolk's historic villages and countryside would provide a more tranquil experience as the flame makes its way to Stratford.

That's at least the hope of Adam Baker (Suffolk's 2012 Project Manager), Suffolk County Council, the East Anglian Daily Times and Suffolk Tourism Partnership - who along with BBC Suffolk are aiming to convince the London 2012 organisers to include Suffolk in the torch's route.

"We want to bring the torch to the county," said Adam Baker. "We think it will have lots of benefits - it will create lots of excitement, it will generate lots of enthusiasm for the games and spread the magic dust of the games across the county.

"We want to make sure there's a really strong case to bring it to the county so London 2012 don't have any option but to bring it to Suffolk."

Suffolk will need to put forward its case and provide examples of why the county should be included, and what landmarks should be visited. Ness Point, the country's most easterly spot, is amongst the early suggestions along with the Port of Felixstowe and one of the county's castles.

A decision about the route will be made in 2009.

"I know there's going to be lots of other areas doing exactly the same thing, Kent has already started to promote the torch coming in through Dover for example, but we want to be promoting some of the fantastic assets and cultural facilities which we have in the county," Baker said.

"The Games are built around young people and if you bring the torch into communities and neighbourhoods it will inspire them."

BBC Suffolk backing

Mark Murphy announced BBC Suffolk's involvement on the Breakfast Show.

"There's more to it than just having the torch come to Suffolk. It's about raising the profile of the area, the media coverage would be tremendous, and it's an opportunity to show what is here.

"We know what a fantastic place Suffolk is but there are some who are yet to discover it."

The Breakfast Show asked local singer Geoff Rowell, who previously sang about Lowestoft being the 'Jewell of the East', to write a song for us.

Within less than 24 hours Geoff came up with the goods. Take a listen and if you're on Facebook, sign up for the A12 to 2012 campaign:

If Suffolk is chosen to be part of the relay, the next step would be to find a suitable representative to carry the torch. Ninety-year old Stan Cox from Felixstowe is the county's oldest Olympian (marathon runner in 1948 and 1952), while Ross Edgar is a recent medalist - lifting silver at the Velodrome in Beijing.

"As an athlete you see that in your final preparations and all these things make a big difference in the lead up to the event," said Edgar, who says his brother carried the Commonwealth torch when it passed through Newmarket on its way to Manchester in 2002.

"To see it coming through Newmarket or anywhere in my home county would be a big boost."