Comedian David Walliams is preparing to take hold of the flame outside the town hall.

The Britain’s Got Talent judge will carry the torch down Upper Street and hand it over to army major Phil Packer, who has raise millions for charity since being injured serving in Iraq.

Mr Walliams, who was chosen for his tireless fundraising efforts for Sport Relief, told the Gazette: “I’m very excited, it’s quite an honour – but I thought I was the only one!

“A lot of the other torchbearers have very interesting stories and amazing achievements. The torch is the star that’s what everyone has come to see.

“It seems very simple thing to do but I really have to think about this so I don’t set anyone on fire – I’m giving the flame to Phil Packer and he has a big bushy beard and I don’t want to set him alight.”