THE Olympic Torch Relay will give Dorset’s economy a £3million boost, it has been claimed.

Mike Farwell, of business adviser James Cowper, says their calculations have taken into account the number of torch-related events taking place across the county.

“These predictions are really astounding when you consider the daily progress of the torch, overnight stops, the special events and additional spend on meals, drinks, souvenirs and petrol,” he explains.

Tens of thousands are expected to line the route of the Olympic Torch Relay as it travels through Purbeck, Poole and Bournemouth this Friday, July 13.

Commuters are being warned of severe traffic disruption along the route of the once-in-a-lifetime event.

There have been complaints that many of the 132 torchbearers on Friday, July 13 are not from the county, including sponsors’ choices and athletes from abroad.

The long list of local torchbearers includes: l Jacques Bernard, who will run in Weymouth for the Steve Bernard Foundation in memory of his late brother;

• Wendy Morrell and Karen Ruddlesden of Broadstone, who campaign for Dogs for the Disabled and will carry the torch in Poole;

• Steve Cliffen, who set up the Christchurch-based Cicely Foundation for needy children and will carry the torch through Sandford; l Mo Constantine, co-founder of Lush, running through Upton;

• Boscombe Salvation Army major Val Mylechreest, who will carry the flame through Corfe Castle;

• Jenny Dale, who donated a kidney to a stranger, and will run through Bournemouth.

Friday’s events culminate in a torch party on Bournemouth’s seafront for those who have successfully booked free tickets.

Mr Farwell estimated the torch could bring £25m into the economy for the whole of the south coast.

“The figure could be even higher if you also take into account the feel-good factor and the publicity which will be generated for each region,” he said.

See where the torch will be going and who will be carrying it at bournemouthecho.co.uk/torchrelay