PLANS to line the streets of Portesham with ‘gold’ for the Olympic Torch Relay celebrations are being held up as a national example.

Three thousand marigolds are going to be planted along the B3157 coast road through the village in time to blossom for the Olympic Flame’s passing on Thursday, July 12.

The London 2012 Torch Relay is scheduled to arrive in Portesham at 5.26pm and villager Di Ludlow will be among the two inspirational torchbearers carrying the flame through the village.

The other will be Tracy Moore from Dorchester.

Local community leader Keith Brignell said villagers were working hard to showcase Portesham to the world and to support the torchbearers.

Mr Brignell has been listed at the top of the Local Leaders section of the London 2012 website to inspire other communities on how to ‘Line the streets’ and he has also been invited to attend a Number 10 reception.

He said: “The nice thing is that out of all the thousands of villages across the country, Portesham is being recognised by the London Organising Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG).

“I was volunteered to be the Local Leader by one of the councillors and I see myself more as a co-ordinator.

“We’ve got representatives involved from all the groups that use the village hall, from the gardening and bridge clubs to the Women’s Institute, churches, school and local garage. We’re encouraging everyone to play a part.”

The villagers are organising a ‘mini fete’ in the gardens of the King’s Arms.

They have also donated red, white and blue sheets to be made into bunting.

Mr Brignell said: “We’re going to plant 3,000 marigold plants along the B3157 verge.

“London 2012 are urging people to ‘Line the Streets’ so I thought it would be good to use marigolds and do it with gold.

“They won’t be ready for the Diamond Jubilee celebrations but they should be ready for July 12.”

Retired foreign exchange trader Mr Brignell added: “It’s basically just bringing the whole community together.”

A London 2012 spokesman said: “Adorning Portesham’s streets with 3,000 marigolds is a brilliant way to celebrate the Torchbearers and the Olympic Flame.”