DOVER and Deal MP Charlie Elphicke has written to Lord Sebastian Coe in a bid to get the Olympic torch brought to the port ahead of the 2012 Games.

The Tory member says he is determined to fight for Dover to have the honour of greeting the torch when it is brought to the country on May 18, 2012.

He has asked Lord Coe, chairman of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG), for a private meeting so he can push the case for Dover.

Mr Elphicke said: "When people think of Great Britain they think of the White Cliffs of Dover, our national symbol.

"Dover and east Kent will be on a national stage and this will remind people we are the gateway to England and a jewel in the crown of our nation.

"I would like the people of Dover to back this campaign, to show pride in Dover and put us back on the map."

The former tax lawyer has also requested a meeting with Baroness Andrews from English Heritage about plans to involve Dover Castle.

Mr Elphicke said: "I have written to Baroness Andrews to see if the torch could be received at Dover Castle for an official ceremony and lighting of the Pharos.

"There could be a beacon lighting around the county and the Pharos could stay alight as the torch makes its 70-day circuit of the country until it appears at Stratford and the flame is lit there."

It was March 2008 when Dover Pride first drew up plans to put the town forward for the honour.

The first step in Dover's campaign, backed by Kent County Council, Seeda and Sport England South East, was a flag hand-over street party. on August 24 of that year. Bands and street performers entertained crowds before the party was capped off in the evening with a firework display.

There was also a link with the 1948 London Games when John Barrett – who had carried the torch when it entered the country through Dover – attended.

Other events have included Dover schoolchildren designing badges, songs and a Pass The Passion logo and a massive firework display on the sea front organised by Kent County Council in September 2008.

Rival bids to LOCOG have been placed from towns and ports such as Liverpool, Edinburgh and Belfast.

To give Mr Elphicke your backing e-mail charlie.elphicke.mp@parliament.uk or write to the Dover Express at Westcliffe House, West Cliff Gardens, Folkestone, CT20 1FH.