THERE has been a high demand for free tickets to attend the Olympic Torch celebration at Chester Racecourse on May 29.

Cheshire West and Chester Council says the initial allocation of 21,000 tickets is expected to be taken up this week and the ticket line allocating the remaining tickets will close.

Council event organisers expect a limited number of further tickets to become available if the Olympic partners do not take up their full allocation but precise numbers will not be known until closer to the event.

In addition an appeal will be made to members of the public who on the day may not need their full household allocation of six tickets.

These can be returned to your local library distribution point and will be included in a further allocation round to ensure their use.

Dates for when both sets of tickets will become available will be announced at a later date.

Cllr Stuart Parker, executive member for culture and recreation, said: “I am delighted in the level of interest people have shown right across the borough in the torch celebration event and it looks as though we are guaranteed maximum attendance.

“People also need to remember that the Racecourse is not the only place to see the torch with other superb vantage points along the route into and through the city.”

For details, visit www.embracethegames.org.