DERBYSHIRE could get its chance to shine in the run-up to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games – if a bid to bring the Olympic flame to the county is successful.

As the Games approach, the torch will travel the length and breadth of the country.

A bid to make sure Derbyshire is included in the route is being put together.

Representatives from the worlds of sport, business, culture and tourism have gathered to discuss where within the county the torch relay should pass and how best to get communities involved.

Rory Slater, Derbyshire 2012 legacy co-ordinator, said: "It's early days but we discussed having it come to places such as the World Heritage Centre, Chatsworth House and Derby city centre.

"We looked at how we could get schools and the community engaged with ideas.

"One of the ideas was to have people across the county light up beacons in conjunction with the Olympic torch and relay events.

"We'll be talking to culture groups about what ideas they have. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Derbyshire and, optimistically, I think we could have it for the best part of a day.

"I think that's realistic. We've got a lot to be proud of.

"We have a lot of historical sites, a strong heritage and a wealth of cultural aspects."

In the weeks leading up to the start of the London Games, the torch relay will spend a minimum of three days within the East Midlands.

Derbyshire's bid to host a section of the torch relay will be submitted to the East Midlands Development Agency at the end of the month.