COUNCILLORS in St Ives have launched a bid to get their hands on one of the Olympic torches which were paraded through the town on July 8.

Before the election in May, Councillor Angela Ayers-Wilson approached the council to see if they could get a torch to mark the day the relay went through the town.

However, the town clerk, Alison Melnyczuk, said last Wednesday (July 11) that she had investigated the proposal and torches, which cost �495 to make, were not available to buy.

At the meeting, Cllr Ian Dobson asked for the six torchbearers to be approached to see if they would donate their Olympic souvenirs to the council. It would then be put on a plaque to mark the day.

Nell MacLeod, a music teacher at St Ivo School, said she had not been formally approached by the council, but had been warned that one would be imminent.

“I’m more inclined to keep mine because it’s special to me,” she said. “I understand why they would want one, but I would like mine to pass down to my children – it’s going to be part of the family history. I’m rather attached to it.”

Another option for the council could be to visit eBay, where the first Olympic torch was sold for �50,000 but prices have now dropped to about �2,500.

A spokesman for St Ives Town Council said that the Olympic torch relay cost the town �900. Huntingdon Town Council has yet to announce its figure.