Olympic torch arrives at University

31 May 2012

The Olympic torch relay arrived at The University of Manchester this morning as it scaled the magnificent Lovell Telescope at Jodrell Bank Observatory.

The relay, which is visiting around 95% of the UK over 70 days, arrived at the Observatory this morning and was carried into the 250ft dish of the telescope by comedian John Bishop.

Local schoolchildren and invited guests were on the site to greet the torch and University President and Vice-Chancellor Dame Nancy Rothwell welcomed the torch on site.

Jodrell Bank is a unique combination of live science and a visitor attraction, combining internationally recognised Astronomy research with superb interactive learning activities.

It was recently chosen as the world headquarters for the Square Kilometre Array, the world’s largest telescope, and opened a £3m state-of-the-art visitor centre last year.

Among the inspirational people who have carried the Olympic Flame along the route between Land's End and Jodrell Bank are two University of Manchester students: Blaire Hannan in Bristol on Tuesday 22 May and Zak Lee-Green in Cardiff on Saturday 26 May.

A third Manchester student will be a torchbearer on Friday 22 June, when Leila Hamrang, who is doing a BA in Learning Disabilities Studies, carries the flame in Fleetwood.