The message is of peace, unity and friendship.

The starting point the Temple of Hera in Olympia, where the Olympic Torch is lit from the sun's rays before starting an epic journey which ends with the last Torchbearer lighting the cauldron at the Opening Ceremony in the Olympic Stadium in London, marking the official start of the London 2012 Games. Once in the UK, the Olympic Torch Relay will start at Land's End on Saturday 19 May 2012 and will visit over 1000 communities nationwide – as well as Dublin in Ireland – arriving at the Opening Ceremony on Friday 27th July.

8,000 inspirational people will carry the Olympic Flame as it journeys across the UK. Torchbearers have all been nominated by friends, family, colleagues or communities in recognition of their inspirational achievements.

On the 31st May, the Flame will travel from Crewe, through Congleton, Macclesfield and Knutsford.

An opportunity to bring the community together in celebration, why not consider staging your own 'Line the Streets' event? It's not too late to sign up to be a Local Leader; the official London 2012 website not only tells you how to sign up, but offers a whole host of ideas and tools to plan the perfect event, be it for a few friends or whole communities. As a Local Leader you'll receive updates with hints and tips and promotional materials, including posters and decoration ideas.

And here's something you may or may not know (I didn't!). I trawled through various websites looking for a local connection and only went and discovered we already have our own Olympic Champion!!

Ben Ainslie - Born 5th February 1977 in Macclesfield - Yay!

Three-time Olympic gold medallist, Olympic silver medallist and three-time ISAF World Sailor of the Year, Ben is the most successful British sailor ever in the Olympics. Clearly a seasoned veteran , Ben will be going for gold again this year, so we have a little bit of home grown talent to cheer on - d'you think he ever practiced on the Macclesfield Canal?!

Apologies to those who think I'm a total ignoramous for not already knowing the above - I confess to being more of a Wimbledon person myself!

Oh, and if you can't be around on the 31st May, you could always take a trip over the tops to Buxton where the Flame will be passing through on Friday 29th June.

We are unlikely to enjoy the honour of playing host to the Games again for many many years, so lets make the most of it while we have it!