AS it goes on its tour of Britain the Olympic torch barely touches the Forest although it does call in on Monmouth via Ross.

The nearest it will come to Forest heartlands are the three Newent area villages of Hartpury, Corse and Staunton, which are part of the relay on May 24 – however maps of the route show it passing directly through Coleford!

Nevertheless Cllr Terry Hale, cabinet member for the community at Forest of Dean District Council, said: "This is great news for the Forest of Dean in general and the residents of Hartpury, Corse and Staunton in particular. 

"This means that people right across the district can see the Olympic Flame and witness the spectacle of the Olympic Torch Relay. It will provide a chance for community celebrations right across the Forest of Dean and will mark the countdown to the start of the games.

"It will also give us all chance to show our support for members of the community who have the honour to be chosen to run with the Olympic flame." 

Monmouthshire County Council's Chairman, Cllr Brian Hood MBE, said: "I'm proud that the Olympic Torch will come into Wales through our beautiful county. It is a real honour that Monmouth will be the first place in Wales that the Torch will visit.

"We have always seen Monmouthshire as the Gateway to Wales, and next year it certainly will be. We understand that the flame will enter Wales at Monmouth on the morning of the 25th of May and then go on through Raglan and Abergavenny."