YOU wait for an age for an Olympic torch to turn up and then 15 arrive at once - that's the treat in store for a Northumberland village on June 14.

When the London Olympic torch arrives at Bamburgh around 6pm for a half-hour stay, another 14 original torches will be display in the village.

The private collection, owned by a family in the south of England, date from that used in the 1936 Games in Berlin to the 2008 Beijing torch. It will be the only public viewing of the collection in the UK during the torch relay.

The church in Bamburgh was founded by and dedicated to Saint Aidan, the 7th Century Northumbrian Christian pioneer whose name means “flame”.

As part of Bamburgh’s day-long celebrations leading up to the arrival of the 2012 torch, carried by Ponteland firefighter and former Royal Marine Brian Tinnion, St Aidan’s will host the public viewing of the Torches of Inspiration collection of 14 genuine Olympic torches.

Aidan is usually depicted holding a sconce, or torch, as in his statue on Holy Island and as the Apostle of the English is celebrated as an inspirational light

The Vicar of Bamburgh, the Rev Canon Brian Hurst said: “The Olympic torch represents purity and the endeavour for perfection as well as peace, unity and friendship.

“How fitting it is that these Torches of Inspiration will be displayed in the church of St Aidan who brought the light of peace and unity to the people ancient people of Northumbria, and from here the light of the Christian Gospel was spread throughout the land and indeed into Europe.”

Jude Aldred, chairman of Bamburgh Parish Council, said: “As St Aidan’s name means flame, it is most appropriate that the torches should come to Bamburgh.

“When we heard the 2012 torch was coming we decided to organise a full day for the whole community.”