OLYMPIC fever will be sweeping across East Hampshire and West Sussex next week when the Olympic torch finally arrives.

Tens of thousands of people are preparing to line the streets of Petersfield and its surrounding villages on Monday, to cheer on the once in a lifetime Olympic torch relay.

The countdown is on this weekend to ensure that everything goes smoothly.

With colourful banners proclaiming the historic event and bunting ready and waiting, the scene is set for a day to remember for both torchbearers and spectators alike.

Eleven lucky people from across the South have the honour of carrying the lighted torch through Petersfield and Rogate before it makes its way to Midhurst and Easebourne finally ending day 59 in Brighton.

For full story, see this week's Liphook Herald.