RESIDENTS can step off the sidelines, strike torch-bearing-poses and be part of an exciting Twitter photo campaign that celebrates the Olympic torch in Trafford.

The council-led initiative gives everyone the opportunity to appear as if standing in a stadium, with the torch held proudly above their heads.

Old Trafford has been selected as one of only a handful of venues outside London to be hosting Olympic football matches, and the borough is also gearing up for the torch relay next Sunday, June 24.

Council leader Matt Colledge said: “The relays in the north west have been particularly successful, with literally thousands of excited people lining the streets to cheer on the torch bearers.

“The launch of our Twitter photo campaign is a fun and easy way to get a personal memento that captures the amazing atmosphere of these once-in-a-life-time events. We are really looking forward to the torch relay coming through Trafford a week on Sunday.”

The Twitter campaign has already generated some great photos.

Dan Foster, Olympic coordinator for Trafford Council said: “We are using Twitter as a way of quickly letting people know about important messages during the games and we would urge everyone to follow us at @trafford_2012 to get the latest football, traffic and general event news.

“We currently have some great prizes for followers, including family tickets to shows at the Lowry as well as shopping vouchers to spend at the Lowry Outlet Mall.”

Budding snappers have until July 1 to send their best torch poses through to Trafford Council’s Twitter page so they can be reworked and returned to people digitally. An online gallery, featuring every photo, will also be available to view at trafford.gov.uk/2012 where you can also find out more information about the torch relay event called /Good Morning Trafford’.

To picture yourself with the torch upload a photo of a person holding an imaginary torch to the council’s Twitter page @trafford_2012