FRESH details have emerged about the Olympic torch’s journey through Suffolk in the run-up to London 2012.

Ipswich civic chiefs have announced plans for a special celebration in Christchurch Park when the historic flame comes to town on Thursday, July 5.

Excitement is also building in places like Eye and Debenham which are believed to have a strong chance of seeing the iconic flame as it travels between Norwich and Ipswich.

Olympic bosses confirmed yesterday the procession would pass through Suffolk on July 5, before moving onto Chelmsford the following day.

Although the exact route will not be confirmed until later this year it is thought organisers will choose to take the flame along the B1077, rather than the A140.

“It would be great,” said Cllr Eddy Alcock, who represents Debenham on Suffolk County Council. “I wondered if it might come our way and my hope is it will.

“I would have thought it would be very welcome, I can’t see any downside,” he added. “It would be really exciting for the village, I’m sure the streets would be lined on both sides.”

Charles Flatman, Eye councillor on Mid Suffolk District Council, said: “I’m sure it would get a great reception and turnout if it did come through Eye.

“I would have thought the streets would be lined with people watching it go through.

“We’d be more than pleased if it came through Eye, it would give the town a little prestige.”

Meanwhile Russell Williams, chief executive of Ipswich Borough Council, vowed to give the town a memorable evening of entertainment.

He said: “This is fantastic news and we will be pulling out all the stops to make this an occasion to remember for years to come.

“We have been working hard to get as many people involved as possible and we will be meeting our partners across the county to ensure everyone in Ipswich and Suffolk is involved.

“It is appropriate that the event falls within the Ip-art summer festival as the whole county will already be in celebratory mood.”

Lord Coe, chairman of London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, said: “We are thrilled Ipswich Borough Council has agreed to host the Olympic flame on its journey right across the UK.

“The Olympic flame will shine a light right across Ipswich, celebrating the culture and heritage of the area and showcasing the very best of the town.

“We have no doubt that the welcome Ipswich will provide will demonstrate how the spirit of the Olympic Games is reaching out across the UK and excitement builds as the start of the 2012 Games draws closer.”