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So where does the Olympic Torch start its journey?

The flame is lit in the same place at every Games by the sun's rays at the Temple of Hera in Olympia, in a ceremony held in the ruins of the ancient Olympic Games.

That all sounds very exciting! What happens next?

It takes a short journey around Greece before coming to the UK in time for the London 2012 Olympic Games.

When does it land in the UK?

On 18 May 2012.

And how long does the relay last?

For 70 days from 19 May until 27 July in a continuous relay from one Torchbearer to the next.

What is the last Torchbearer meant to do with it? Stub it out?

Er no. The last in the chain gets to light the cauldron in the Olympic stadium.

How long does the cauldron stay lit for?

Until the last day of the Games, at the closing ceremony.

So how many Torchbearers will there be in total?

The flame will be carried by 8,000 people during the course of the relay.

The flame can't possibly visit everywhere in the UK, can it?

It will pass through more than 1,000 communities and apparently will come within ten miles of 95 per cent of people in the UK, Isle of Man, Guernsey and Jersey at some point during its tour.

So quite a few places then!

More than a few. The stop-offs include Inverness, Carlisle, Blackpool, Land's End, Weymouth and Swansea.

Where will it visit on the day of the opening ceremony on 27 July?

It will start at Hampton Court, go through the maze (hopefully without getting lost) and then take a 'floating stage' along the Thames, stop off at City Hall in London's South Bank before heading to the Olympic Park. During the week leading up to the opening ceremony the torch will visit every London borough.

And who are the Torchbearers?

The Torchbearers are inspirational people who have been specially nominated by someone they know through the 'Moment to Shine' campaign.

What is the Torch made of?

It comprises an inner and outer aluminium alloy skin held in place by a cast top piece and base, perforated by 8,000 circles to represent the Torchbearers. The 800mm high Torch is triangular shaped to represent the three Olympic values (respect, excellence and friendship); three words of the Olympic motto (faster, higher and stronger); and the fact that this is the third time the UK has hosted the Games.

What if it rains?

The Torch has been tested at BMW's climatic testing facility in Munich to make sure it can withstand all weather conditions, including wind speeds of up to 65 kilometres per hour. The Torchbearers may get wet, but there's no chance it will go out.

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