Working in partnership with London 2012, Podium has approached Loughborough College, Royal National Institute of Blind People, and De Montfort, Leicester, Loughborough and Northampton universities to offer their students the chance to carry the Torch. Local authorities from the rehearsal route will also nominate participants.

As with the Relay itself, each participant will have an inspirational story and will have their nomination supported by their place of study. Students who inspire others and make a difference to their institution and/or community will be invited to carry the unlit* Torches on the 80-mile route.

Sebastian Coe, Chair of London 2012, said: “The dress rehearsal will give us the chance to test many of our operations around the Olympic Torch Relay. Test events are a vital part of our operations in preparing for all of the events that are part of the 2012 Games. We are also looking forward to working with the 100 inspirational people who will play an essential role in helping us to test how we will operate during the Relay.

“The Olympic Torch Relay will be the UK’s moment to shine. We are looking forward to showcasing the historical and social diversity of the UK and celebrating the achievements of the Torchbearers when the Relay starts its journey in May.”

The Relay test convoy will travel from Leicester to Peterborough, through Quorn, Loughborough, Hoton, Wymeswold, Asfordby, Melton Mowbray, Langham, Oakham, Uppingham and Stamford.

Procedures to be tested on the day will include timings, convoy movement, radio communications, the collection and drop off of Torchbearers, route markings, traffic management and security operations. The rehearsal is the culmination of a series of operational relay tests which have already taken place. These have focused on a range of areas including torch performance, hotel operations and the vehicle convoy.

Hugh Robertson, Minister for Sport and the Olympics, said: “The Olympic Torch Relay will give towns across the whole country their moment in the spotlight and celebrate the torch bearers who contribute so positively to their local communities. This dress rehearsal will help ensure that the torch relay goes smoothly.

Gareth Smith, Head of Podium, said: “Colleges and Universities have made an unparalleled contribution towards the London 2012 Games and we are delighted that students will be integrally involved in supporting the dress rehearsal for the Olympic Torch Relay. The Further and Higher Education sectors have already played a vital role in hosting pre-Games training camps, supplying volunteers and undertaking cutting edge research.”

The actual Olympic Torch Relay will start at Land’s End, Cornwall on the morning of 19 May and will travel an estimated 8,000 miles around the UK giving thousands of communities and individuals their ‘moment to shine’ as the Olympic Flame comes to a place near them.

*The Olympic Flame will be lit on 10 May in Olympia, Greece so, therefore, the Torches carried on the day will not be lit.