PROUD Ealing torchbearers say they are 'flabbergasted' and 'honoured' to take part in the Olympic relay when it reaches the borough tonight.

A rapturous reception is expected as the flame is carried from the highest mount in Northala Fields at 5.15pm and travels through the hearts of Southall, Hanwell and West Ealing, arriving at Ealing town centre at 7pm.

Ealing Council leader Julian Bell is urging residents to join in the festivities, which will be remembered as a key moment in the borough's history.

"This is going to be a once in a lifetime opportunity to see the Olympic torch travel through Ealing and I hope that people will get into the Olympic spirit to cheer it on," he said.

Southall scout leader Narinder Birdi, 58, of Lady Margaret Road, said he was 'flabbergasted' to be taking part and is looking forward to spotting his friends, family and young scouts cheering him on among the crowds.

"The closer it gets the more exciting it becomes. Im really proud, as a British Sikh, to be carrying the torch in the name of the Olympics in the UK," he said.

Another patriotic torchbearer is 40-year-old Stuart Hughes.

The BBC world affairs producer, of Hanwell, lost his right leg reporting in Iraq nearly 10 years ago.

He will carry the torch a few hours earlier in Hillingdon, sporting a state-of-the-art prosthetic leg emblazoned with the London 2012 logo and the Union Jack.

He said: "I first heard I'd been nominated last September.

"Back then it seemed a very long way off and I can't believe the big day is now almost upon me.

"I've got family, friends and neighbours coming from across the country to share the day with me and many more watching online."

Thirty torchbearers will travel six miles through the borough, passing through key points:

* 5.15pm: leaves Northala Fields, Northolt

* 5.19pm: Kensington Road

* 5.25pm: Lady Margaret Road

* 5.47pm: Southall High Street

* 6.05pm: Hanwell Broadway

* 6.15pm: West Ealing Broadway

* 6.32pm: Ealing Broadway

* 6.34pm: Ealing High Street

* 6.39pm: St Marys Road

* 6.45pm: Culmington Road

* 6.47pm: Lammas Park Gardens

* 6.50pm: Walpole Park for the evening party and its overnight stay in the borough

Top ten singer Loick Essien and street dance act Twist and Pulse, Britain's Got Talent 2010 runners-up, will kick off the evening party at 5.30pm before the torch arrives.

Residents not lucky enough to get their hands on one of the 8,000 free tickets can still enjoy the show from a screen in another part of the park. For ticket-holders, gates open at 4pm, and the event is due to finish at 7.30pm.

Residents are asked to stay on the pavement at all times and arrive at least one hour before.

Public car parks are open as normal but there will be increased demand for spaces. Parking and loading restrictions or suspensions will be in place along the route from 8am to 8pm on Tuesday.

Buses and traffic will be diverted from the main route during the relay.

For more information visit www.ealing.gov.uk/olympics.