THE streets of Oxford will be lit by the Olympic flame when the 2012 torch passes through Blackbird Leys, Cowley Road and St Clement’s Street on its journey to London.

The street-by-street route was released this morning .

Torchbearers chosen from the community including teachers, artists and charity volunteers will run holding the torch through the roads and lanes of Oxfordshire wearing a white and gold uniform.

Great grandmother Christine Carter, 85, from Old Marston, is one of those who will carry the torch in Oxford, in recognition of her work as a volunteer at the Oxsrad Sport for All Centre and weekly Oxford Town Hall tea dances.

She said she will walk with the torch in one hand and her walking stick in the other for 300 metres, before passing it on to another torchbearer.

She said: “I’m shocked that I have been selected to carry the torch in Oxford. I don’t feel like I’ve done anything special to deserve it. I’m sure once it sinks in I will be really excited.

“I’m a bit nervous about being on the streets with everyone waving and watching me.”

Mrs Carter, a widow who has six grandchildren and four great grandchildren, said: “I’ve got no idea where it will be – I only hope it’s not Headington Hill.”

On July 9, day 52 of the torch’s journey, the flame will arrive in Oxford in Watlington Road and will pass through Cuddesdon Way, on to Blackbird Leys Road and Barns Road before turning on to Between Towns Road.

From there runners will carry the torch along to South Park and an evening of celebration via Oxford Road, Cowley Road, St Clement’s Street and Morrell Avenue.

A glittering event, The Tree of Light, featuring 600 singers, dancers and power-generating cyclists from school and community groups across Oxfordshire will wow crowds with an hour-long performance.

Bob Price, leader of Oxford City Council, said: “I would encourage people to come out and line the streets and bring the route to life as well as welcoming the inspirational torchbearers into our community.”

Blackbird Leys Parish Council chairman Gordon Roper said: “The Blackbird Leys Adventure Play Group is going to be out along the route to sell bacon sandwiches for their fundraising.

“I think it’s good for the estate that the torch is coming here and I hope we have a good number of people turning out.”

The next day torchbearers will go from Iffley Running Track through Iffley Road and Donnington Bridge Road as it makes its way out of the city.