Each torch is a unique design. The 2012 torch, designed in aluminum alloy has 8,000 small cut out circles, representing the 8,000 inspirational people who will carry it on its journey throughout the UK, passing through 1,000 cities, towns and villages.

The torches will be guarded during the visit by 19 servicemen and women from RAF Boulmer who have volunteered their services. One torch, from the 1996 Centennial Games in Atlanta, will be on show in Bamburgh Castle.

Hebburn-born Brendan Foster, a medallist in the 1976 Montreal Olympics, will be joining in Bamburgh’s celebrations. He said: “This really is something special for the region.”

202 Squadron, based at RAF Boulmer, will be honouring the arrival of the London 2012 torch with a fly-past the village.

Villager Angela Darling, a member of the organising committee, said: “There will be something for everyone to see and do during the whole day as the excitement mounts in the build-up to the arrival of the torch just before 6pm that evening.

“We’ve been working hard to create a special day.”

Village events begin at 11am and include a “celebrities versus locals” tug of war, led by Francis Watson Armstrong, of Bamburgh Castle against a team headed by former England rugby player Fran Cotton and former TV Gladiator Jet.

The village green will also stage a school sports Olympics, with prizes presented by Brendan Foster.