Southwark prepares to welcome Olympic torch

"This is the first time the Olympic Flame has come to London since 1948" says London mayor Ken Livingstone. "I would urge people to turn out all along the route to welcome the Olympic Flame."

The Olympic torch will cross Tower Bridge and arrive in Southwark at approximately 3.55pm. Former Olympic swimmer Sharron Davies is expected to carry the torch on Tower Bridge.

From 3pm Mangrove Steel Band will provide entertainment close to City Hall at More London and 5,000 balloons will be released to mark the occasion.

The torch bearer at More London will be 93 year old Fauja Singh, the world's oldest marathon runner.

The bells of Southwark Cathedral will be rung as the relay passes by.

A carnival percussion workshop will be held from 3.45pm on Bankside west of the Millennium Bridge.

The torch relay is expected to arrive at the bridge at approx 4.15pm. The Millennium Bridge will be decorated with balloon arches and more than 100 children will line the bridge to welcome the flame and celebrity torchbearer.

The Millennium Bridge will be closed to the public for a short time prior to the arrival of the
Torch Relay.

The Lord Mayor of London will greet the relay on the north bank.

There will be a further opportunity to see the Olympic Torch from the South Bank at approximately 6.40pm when the Flame is transferred at Embankment Pier to the boat of the
British Sydney Olympics coxed 8 rowing team for transportation on the Thames to Westminster Pier.

• Full Torch Relay programme