THE Olympic torch will travel by zip wire and steam train during its journey through scores of communities across the North-East and North Yorkshire.

Click here to see a map of the route

The stunts on the Tyne Bridge in Newcastle and across the North York Moors will be among the highlights of its 70-day tour of the UK, details of which will be confirmed next year.

Organisers said 95 per cent of the UK population lives within ten miles of the 8,000- mile route, which will mainly feature relay running by 8,000 torchbearers, who will be picked for personal achievements or contributions to their community.

Among those already nominated to carry the flame are hydrocephalus sufferer Matthew Carnelly, 19, of Darlington, who coaches football to youngsters, and New Marske resident Charlotte Ellis, 27, a gold medalist at the European Paratriathlon.

Numerous local authorities, community and sporting groups have discussed events to mark the torch’s arrival in their area; Hambleton and Richmondshire district councils in North Yorkshire have held talks with the Army and RAF and are also planning a range of sports events.

From June 15 to June 19, the region will also host four celebratory evening events – in Newcastle, Durham, Middlesbrough and York – which will aim to showcase local culture and heritage.

Newcastle City Council deputy cabinet member for culture and leisure Councillor Ged Bell said its evening celebration would be spectacular.

He said: “We hope it will inspire children and young people to embark on their own personal journey of achievement, promote sport and culture and provide a major boost to the local economy.”

During its passage through the North-East, the flame will be carried past numerous landmarks, including the Angel of the North and Penshaw Monument, near Sunderland, before it is carried further down the coast to Teesside.

Sunderland MP Julie Elliott said she was disappointed the torch would not be stopping overnight in the city, despite it being the largest in the North-East.

She said: “The people of Sunderland’s hospitality is famous.”

Stockton Borough councillor Ken Dixon said it was fitting that the procession would include the town where the friction match was invented, while Durham County Council leader Simon Henig said he wanted residents to feel the Olympic spirit.

The flame will be carried in torches and lanterns from Whitby to Pickering on a North Yorkshire Moors Railway locomotive on June 18, before it travels from York to Thirsk on the Flying Scotsman.