THE Olympic torch could come through Sherburn-in-Elmet if a campaign by Selby District Council proves successful.

The flame is due to be taken by runners through Camblesforth, Selby, Monk Fryston, Barkston Ash and Tadcaster when it comes through the region as part of a UK tour in June.

However, it is due to be in “convoy mode”, which means it will be taken by road, around the Sherburn-in-Elmet bypass.

Recently the council received a petition from nearly 3,000 residents calling for the village to be included as a stop-off for the torch.

The council has now agreed to put its weight behind the campaign and the chief executive is to contact the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games (LOCOG) to push for a change of route.

Coun Mark Crane, leader of the council, said: “Selby District Council is not in charge of where the torch goes, although we are involved in supporting its journey through our district.

“There’s a strong sense of disappointment in Sherburn that the torch is not scheduled to go through the village, despite it being by far the biggest village in the district and home to many school children from across the local area.

“We don’t want the torch routed away from anywhere else, but we want Sherburn to be added to the list.

“We’ll be writing to LOCOG to voice our concerns to see if any change to the route can be made.”

Sporting theme at gala

York Press: Emma Kennedy Olympic countries is the theme of Sherburn-in-Elmet’s gala day on May 15.

Heading the parade of floats round the village will be a torch bearer carrying an Olympic style torch.

The gala queen will be Sherburn High School pupil Emma Kennedy, aged 15, pictured. Her attendants will be Bronte Straw, 10, Letesha Eley, nine, Lucy Dracup and Isabel Udall-James, bioth aged seven.

Gala chairman Alma Hodgson said: “"We are hoping for the best ever gala with the Queen’s Jubilee and the Olympic games being held this year.”