A CAMPAIGN has been launched to bring the Olympic torch to Oxfordshire in 2012.

Organisers of the London games are starting to think about where the iconic symbol of the Olympics will travel en route to the capital, and preparations have been made locally to ensure it is taken along Oxfordshire streets.

Tonight, Richard Munro, whose job it is to make sure Oxfordshire makes the most of the Olympics, urged everyone to get behind the campaign.

Mr Munro, Oxfordshire County Council’s head of community services, said: “We will be making a very strong case for the torch to come through the county and would urge everybody to get behind us.

“Bringing the torch to Oxfordshire is our immediate target and we remain hopeful the organisers will be persuaded by our case.

“We got the message across when (Olympics minister) Tessa Jowell visited last year. It does seem obvious that if the torch is to pass through the country, then you would almost have to go out of your way not to bring it through the county.”

Mr Munro said he would like the torch to travel to the Iffley Road athletics track, to the world heritage site in Blenheim, and to Rutherford Appleton Laboratory.

He added: “We would be really surprised and disappointed if it didn’t come because Oxfordshire has got sights that are associated with sporting and other achievements.

“I think we have a strong chance and it would be a big boost if comes.”

Oxford University has offered its famous Iffley Road running track – scene of Sir Roger Bannister’s sub-four minute mile in 1954 – for use to countries who want to base themselves in Oxford for the games.

Sir Roger, 80, who lives in North Oxford said: “It certainly would be a tribute and an honour to be part of the torch relay. It would give pleasure to a lot of people.”

Alex Ahmet, 51, chairman of Radley Athletics Club, said: “It would put Oxford on the map because I feel it’s a city that gets bypassed.

“I would urge the organisers to look at bringing the Olympic torch to Oxford.”

Mr Munro is leading a consortium aiming to ensure everyone in the county feels the positive benefits of London 2012.

He said: “What we want is for young people in the county to have a vivid and positive recollection of something really special.

“This is a rare opportunity to make the most of the Olympic effect.”

A London 2012 spokesman said: “It’s too early to say where the torch relay will go. No decisions have been made.

“The London 2012 torch relay team are starting a three-month engagement programme with all areas of the UK to see how and who might like to host the relay – and we hope Oxfordshire will be part of those discussions.”

gsheldrick@oxfordmail.co.uk