The Olympic torch looks set to pass through the borough on the day of the opening ceremony of the London games, it has emerged.

It is understood the iconic torch will set off from Hampton Court on a river barge and travel along the Thames to Stratford, where it will dock near the Olympic Park.

The picturesque Thames route is said to have been chosen because it showcases many of the capital’s most famous landmarks and will limit traffic congestion.

London 2012 organisers are yet to confirm the details for the opening events on July 27, but a spokesman said: “We look forward to announcing the sites of the evening celebration events later this year, once they are confirmed."

Derek Osbourne, leader of Kingston Council, said he had known about the plans for the torch relay finale for some time and hailed it as good news for both boroughs.

It follows the unveiling of the official Olympic cycling road race route, which showed many Richmond landmarks would take centre stage on the opening weekend of the games.

The race, which looks set to take place on July 28 and 29, will take in Richmond Park, Twickenham, Teddington and Bushy Park and Hampton Court Palace.

Richmond Council leader Lord True said: “I am very pleased the borough is getting some participation in the Olympics.

"We want the Olympics to bring London together.

"The river is hugely important to the borough, I want the borough to do a lot more, even than it has in the past, to celebrate the river and the great history of it."

Richard Turk, owner of Turks Launches, which offers boat trips between Richmond, Kingston and Hampton Court, said he would put on extra services if the torch passed through the area. He said: "It is fantastic, it will be brilliant."

Full details of the route of the torch relay are set to be revealed soon and 69 evening celebration sites look set to be chosen along the route.

Once the torch arrives at the Olympic Park - after a nationwide journey beginning on May 18 - the ceremonial cauldron will be lit in the stadium at 8.12pm.