Port's Olympic bid
The Olympic torch could be passing through Dover in 2012.
Dover District Council is arranging an event in August to encourage the Olympic committee to take the flame through the town.
Other competitors are Aberdeen, Belfast and Liverpool, but council leader Paul Watkins thinks Dover stands a good chance.
He said: "We have the history here as the torch came through Dover in 1948. It's also the shortest sea route and is regarded as the gateway to the UK."
Although the flame is not set to reach the UK until 2012, it leaves Beijing on its journey on August 24.
Dover council plans to hold celebrations on that date in the hope of gaining international media coverage to strengthen its bid for the torch to come through the town.
Cllr Watkins said: "We're having serious talks with Kent County Council and SEEDA about organising a programme of activities for that date.
"We're also going to see if we can have cross-Channel co-operation with France to arrange a joint venture. After all, if the torch does come to Dover, it will be there before it gets to the UK."
At around the same time the torch leaves Beijing, the Dover Sea Sports Centre is set to be completed.
The £2 million venture will provide the town with a multi-purpose sports and leisure facility.
Cllr Watkins said: "We'll organise the opening of the centre to coincide with the celebrations of the torch beginning its journey to the UK."
