The host locations on 30 May will be Gnosall, Haughton and Stafford; on 30 June, Burton-upon-Trent, Streethay, Lichfield, Hopwas, Tamworth, Great Wyrley and Newtown will all share in the excitement. The Flame will also visit the National Memorial Arboretum at Alrewas on 30 June. 

These Staffordshire communities will take their places alongside over 1,000 villages, towns and cities announced by the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) through which the Olympic Flame will be carried. 

Pat Corfield, Staffordshire County Council's Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Customers, said:  "We are extremely proud that the Olympic Flame will be coming to Staffordshire, passing through many of our communities and also visiting the National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas. The county council has pledged its full support to the future of the Arboretum and we are pleased to see that the torch relay will really be bringing it to local and national attention. 

The two days of celebrations will shine a light on Staffordshire and highlight the members of our communities who have been chosen to run with the Olympic flame."

Charlie Bagot Jewitt, chief executive of the National Memorial Arboretum, said: "The Arboretum is a place which honours the fallen, recognise service and sacrifice and fosters pride in the country.  Similarly, the Olympics is something that will make the whole nation incredibly proud, and we’re delighted to have been acknowledged by being placed on the route for the Olympic Flame."

Young Staffordshire swimmer Emma Wilkins, who will by vying for a place representing Great Britain at next year’s games, is also excited about the torch route; "It's a fantastic opportunity and will mean such a lot to the county. I come from Staffordshire and have trained here throughout my career, so I will be really proud to see the torch pass by."

Sebastian Coe, Chair of LOCOG said: "This is the UK's moment to shine and I want to encourage people across Staffordshire to start planning how they can be part of this once in a lifetime opportunity and show their support for the inspirational Torchbearers chosen to carry the Olympic Flame as we count down to the start of the Olympic Games."

In announcing the villages, towns and cities LOCOG has realised the aspiration of taking the Olympic Flame to within an hour’s journey time of 95% of the population. In fact, over 95% of the population will be within just 10 miles of the Olympic Flame next summer. The street by street detail of the route will be confirmed next year.

More information about what’s happening across Staffordshire can be found at www.staffordshire.gov.uk/2012 or visit www.london2012.com/olympictorchrelaymap to find out more about the Olympic Flame route.