The prototype London 2012 Olympic Torch recently visited the Regent Street in Douglas as part of an 80-day tour around the majority of the Olympic Torch Relay Celebration Sites, finishing at the Great Scottish Run in Glasgow on 4th September 2011. The Olympic Torch Tour is an interactive roadshow bringing the excitement of the Olympic Torch Relay to local communities across the British Isles. Last Friday 17th June, 519 Islanders braved the rain for the opportunity to have their photo taken with the prototype Torch, learn about the history of the Relay, play interactive games, and nominate someone who’s made a difference in their local community to carry the Flame in the Relay in 2012. A short opening ceremony hosted by Lloyds TSB at 10am saw Geoff Karran and members of the charity Project 21 officially cut the ribbon. Other Islanders present on the day were Dot Tilbury and members of the youth cycling league, Isle of Man Swimming Association and Geoff Corkish MHK. Mr. Karran remarked: “The replica Olympic torch has come to the Isle of Man and we’re delighted to have it here. There is an opportunity for everyone in the Isle of Man to nominate people so they can be chosen to carry the Olympic Torch next year on 2nd June when it comes to the Isle of Man. This shows the Isle of Man as being recognised once again as a great place for sports and the Olympic movement have decided to come and give us the opportunity to carry this torch.” Isle of Man Olympic Ambassador, Lucy Felton of Lloyds TSB commented: “We were so pleased with the turnout on Friday morning and everyone seemed to enjoy it even though the weather was so poor. It was great to see so many people involved in sports and local charities coming down to nominate their teammates and friends. If you weren’t able to make it on the day, there is still time to nominate the person you think deserves it most.” Photos from the Isle of Man torch tour are available for download from www.facebook.com/lloydstsblondon2012 . As the only national presenting partner of the Olympic Torch Relay, Lloyds TSB is bringing the Olympic Torch to the nation’s High Streets. The Olympic Torch Relay will be a 70-day celebration, starting at Land’s End on 18 May 2012, travelling hundreds of miles and bringing the London 2012 Games to almost every community across the British Isles. Lloyds TSB is providing everyone across the British Isles with the opportunity to nominate somebody who has made a difference to their local community and who inspires others. Nominations can be made online via www.lloydstsb.com/carrytheflame from today 09 June 2011 through to 12 September 2011. People will be asked to tell, in less than 150 words, about the difference the person they are nominating has made in their community. Nominations will be posted on the Lloyds TSB website where they can be viewed by the public and shared via Facebook, Twitter or email to inspire others to nominate. The nominee must approve their nomination before it is posted online and shared. The winning 800 Torchbearers from the Lloyds TSB campaign will be selected once nominations have been reviewed. A shortlist will then be created with the final Torchbearers selected at random from that shortlist. Successful nominees will be informed in December 2011 once LOCOG has reviewed all submissions. ENDS