It is hard to believe but 10 years ago today the Olympic Torch made its way through Scarborough on its relay around the UK.

I was at the Open Air Theatre on the day itself but my coverage of the possibility of it visiting the area started the previous year.

It must have been in a council report somewhere – by then I had moved on from being the crime correspondent to the role of local government reporter – and approached the usual suspects for comment.

And, back then, it was considered perfectly acceptable to ask soon to be disgraced former DJ and Scarborough flat owner Jimmy Savile his opinion on any subject.

Olympic hopefuls

THE Olympic Torch could be heading to Scarborough in the run-up to next year’s London games.

The flame will arrive in the UK on May 18 2012 and will tour Britain for 70 days ahead of the games at the end of July.

Scarborough Council has submitted a document to Olympic bosses highlighting areas of cultural, historical and sporting significance across the area, as well as important landmarks, areas of natural beauty and major events.

It will find out in June whether its bid has been successful. Brian Bennett, the council’s head of tourism and culture, said: “We would make the most of the opportunity to promote our borough on the international stage.”

If successful, the torch’s route could take in landmarks such as Oliver’s Mount, Peasholm Park and the new Open Air Theatre.

An extra reason for Scarborough to be included in the nationwide torch relay is that it is the only area in Britain to have scooped the title of Europe’s Most Enterprising Place.

Retired boxer Paul Ingle, who represented Britain in the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona, said: “I think it would be brilliant to have the Olympic Torch in Scarborough. I’d definitely be out on the streets to see it.”

The route, which will be within an hour’s journey for 95 per cent of Britons, is to be announced next year and organisers have said that a nomination process will be used to select 8000 torch-bearers.

Scarborough MP Robert Goodwill said: “It will be a tremendous boost for the profileof Scarborough if we can get the torch to come through the town.

“I know some towns have been concerned about costs of security and road closures, but this needs to be balanced against the possibility of getting regional and national coverage for the town and taking more people there.”

Freeman of the borough Sir Jimmy Savile, who owns a flat in Esplanade, said: “It was great for Scarborough when the royal baton passed through and I carried it for part of the way.”

He added: “Unfortunately, it was uphill.

“The Olympic torch would be marvellous for Scarborough, especially if I could do the bit downhill.”

London 2012 bosses said the aim was for the torch to visit different communities and draw people in to the games. It will also be used to showcase Britain’s towns, areas of outstanding beauty.

Chairman Lord Coe said: “We will be working closely with villages, towns and cities the length and breadth of the UK to ensure that as each community welcomes the Olympic flame, they do so in a way that is unique and special to their area.”

From the Scarborough Evening News on Friday, February 11, 2011.