Light at the end of the tunnel

The hi-tech drive to create the 8,000 torches that will be used in the relay is now on. Every 16 seconds at the Coventry-based production site 8,000 laser-cut holes are pierced into the aluminium sheets of the triangular torch.

The laser, originally developed for use in aero engine turbines, creates precise circular holes which get smaller toward the tapered end of the 80cm torch.

The Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby-designed torch has four key pieces to its main body. Each of the 8,000 perforations represents one of the torchbearers who are carrying it on a 70-day nationwide trip to the July 27 lighting of the Olympic cauldron. The relay begins at Land’s End on May 19.