THE Olympic torch will not be staying overnight in Colchester on its journey across the country.

The 70-day, 8,000-mile journey will begin in Land’s End on May 19, 2012, and reach the opening ceremony at the Olympic Stadium on July 27.

The overnight stops were unveiled yesterday and included Ipswich and Chelmsford.

Colchester Council hopes the town will still play a part as a more detailed route will be announced later this year.

Tina Dopson, councillor responsible for communities, said: “If you look at the list of towns where it has been announced the torch will make an overnight stay they are clearly county towns.

“We would have loved it, as we feel Colchester has a lot to offer.”

The town might still be chosen as a through route or afternoon stop.

Mrs Dopson said no planning could be done until they heard from the London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games.

She said: “We have got a fabulous park. We can get lots of people in there and we have had big concerts and other major events.

“We would put on a spectacular event there, or equally at Highwoods Country Park or at Essex University for an afternoon stop.

“It depends on the route and on security. If that is the case then the garrison would be good.”

Stephen Castle, Essex County Council councillor responsible for the 2012 Games, said: “I am delighted we have been given the opportunity to welcome the Olympic Flame to Essex and be part of the torch relay.

“I urge people to get involved and make the most of the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the Olympic Torch procession so close to home.”

The torch will travel around the UK on its way to the stadium, taking 70 days.

Members of the public will be able to apply to be one of the 8,000 torchbearers.

Organisers estimate each location will be no further than an hour’s travel time of 95 per cent of the population.