OLYMPIC fever has captured Torfaen, with the torch bearers gearing up for their moment of fame, and the council pulling out all the stops to celebrate this one off event.

Torfaen council's head of business transformation and leisure, Sally Church said: "The council has been very active both in planning and promoting this once in a lifetime opportunity to the Torfaen community and hope that thousands of people will join in the celebrations and make this a day to remember."

"As well as working closely with the local press, we've created a torch relay map detailing the route; we have written to all our local businesses along the route to ensure they are aware of both the opportunities and the logistics on the day."

First Responder Eric Whitlock is just one of a few Torfaen residents who has been nominated to carry the Olympic Flame.

Mr Whitlock, age 50, runs his own business called Severnside First Aid Training and Consultancy and works as part of the pitch side medical team for Wembley Stadium, Bristol Rovers and Newport Gwent Dragons.

Then in his spare time, two or three days a week, Mr Whitlock logs on as a volunteer Community First Responder.

During this time he is on call with a defibrillator and oxygen ready to respond quickly to emergency situations that may happen within a ten mile radius of his home.

Because of this voluntary contribution, Mr Whitlock was nominated by Lloyds TSB bank to carry the torch.

He said: "It came as a bit of a surprise and it hasnÕt sunk in yet.

"It's very humbling and I keep questioning if I'm even worthy, as thousands of people who do inspirational things applied."

Mr Whitlock is also a founder member of the Torfaen Community First responder group and is a volunteer with St John ambulance, covering public events.

He will also be providing medical cover for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

PANEL Torfaen council have organised a number of events to mark the occasion including: - Best of Blaenavon at the World Heritage Centre that will showcase local food and craft producers, local visitor attractions and sport clubs. There will also be street entertainers, live Jazz and a performance from the Blaenavon Ladies Choir.

- Pupils from Blaenavon VC Heritage School have been invited to attend a special event at Big Pit, when the torch begins its journey through Torfaen.

- World Sports Day at Pontypool Active Living Centre, will see more than 700 children from across the borough involved in sporting activity.

- The Relay Challenge is being run by the council's youth service to encourage people to carry out various activities that total 8000 miles - the length of the UK torch relay.

- On the day itself there will up to the minute information through the facebook page, www.facebook.com/torfaen, and Twitter users can use the #torfaentorch hashtag and follow @torfaencouncil.