Robert Swann, of Pennyacre Road, Teignmouth, writes:

It was disappointing to hear that it is understood that the Olympic torch will not be carried through Teignmouth as had been anticipated.

I'm sure that, like me, many people were looking forward to seeing this event first hand.

Shaldon Bridge, over which it is believed the flame will be carried, is long but does not permit an audience of any size to witness the rare spectacle of the Olympic torch bearer.

After so much preparation it is heartening to hear that the local authority still intends to continue with the planned celebrations on the Den, although it may lack the anticipated star attraction. Perhaps it would be a good idea to enhance the commitment by staging a replacement torch carrying ceremony.

This could be turned into a local participatory event using a Teignmouth designed torch carried by volunteers with a torch bearer change at 100 metre intervals between the bridge and the Den.

Few, if any, local residents will have witnessed the carrying of the last Olympic torch in 1948 and it is unlikely that there will be another opportunity in the next 100 years. So perhaps this is an opportunity for us to celebrate locally this, probably once in a lifetime, event and give residents of all ages a chance to take an active part and create a lasting memory.THIS AND OTHER LETTERS IN OUR DIGITAL EDITION