TODAY is the last day to make nominations for local people to carry the Olympic Torch when it visits the Isle of Man in September.

The Olympic Flame will be carried across the UK and British Isles by 8,000 inspirational torchbearers during the relay with 90 per cent of the places being made available to the public.

Residents in the Isle of Man have been asked to nominate inspirational members of the public who have gone beyond their personal best for consideration as a torchbearer.

The Moment to Shine campaign has been organised by the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) and is being co-ordinated in the Isle of Man by the Department of Community, Culture and Leisure.

Minister David Cretney MHK said: "This is a chance for everyone to recognise that special someone who has inspired them by nominating them for the once in a lifetime honour to carry the Olympic torch as it travels around the Isle of Man."

Young people in particular from across the Isle of Man are encouraged to get involved as half of the total number of torchbearer places are expected to go to people aged between 12 and 24 years of age.

LOCOG chairman Seb Coe said: "Carrying the Olympic Flame is an incredible honour and is an opportunity of for the people of the Isle of Man to reward someone inspirational or who has made a difference to the local community by nominating them to be part of this historic event."

Public nominations will close at 11.59pm this evening (Wednesday). Nominations can be made by visiting www.london2012.com/olympictorchrelay.

The Olympic Torch will visit the Isle of Man on Saturday, June 2, 2012.  A further announcement will be made later this year as to where the flame will visit when on Island.

Earlier this month a replica of the torch visited the Island and members of the public had a chance to have their picture taken with it.

Photos by John Gregory