The torch will travel through ten London boroughs from Wembley in the west to Greenwich in east London, with each borough marking its arrival with entertainment and local events, bringing London's color and vibrancy to life while demonstrating the capital's famous landmarks.

The Olympic flame will be carried through London by 80 torch bearers including double Olympic gold medal winner Dame Kelly Holmes, classical violinist Vanessa Mae, actress Amara Karan, broadcaster Trevor McDonald and England cricketer Kevin Pieterson.

London Mayor Ken Livingstone has referred to the Olympic Torch Relay as uniting nations in the run-up to the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

"It is a great honor for our city to participate in the Beijing 2008 Olympic Torch Relay and once again extend our friendship and cooperation to other nations," he said, adding this year's Olympic Torch Relay is especially significant to London as "we will be the next Olympic host city".

According to the London Mayor, this is a great opportunity "for London to experience the excitement and opportunities that the Games will bring us in 2012".

(Xinhua News Agency April 7, 2008)