RESIDENTS in villages near Newport are disappointed after finding out they won’t be able to see the Olympic Torch as it passes through their area, writes WILL BAIN.

The people of Castleton and Marshfield were delighted when the torch’ route looked set to bring the flame right through the heart of their community, with shops, pubs and residents all looking forward to welcoming the relay.

But they were dealt a blow after closer inspection of the route map revealed the torch will be in "convoy mode", meaning no one will be able to see it as it passes in a vehicle.

Victoria Maud, 39, said: "It’s a major shame as I’m sure there would be a massive turnout to see it."

The Coach and Horses pub was due to see the torch pass right outside its doors, as it travels along the A48 from Newport to Cardiff.

Sheridan Ford, 31, the duty manager of the restaurant section at the pub, said: "A couple of the staff were planning on standing outside the pub with replica torches."

Angie Osborn, 57, from Castleton, said: "I don’t think it was very well advertised that it would be in convoy mode."

Tracey Tyler, 48, who owns the All Things Nice coffee shop on the A48 with her partner Robert Taylor, said: "We were going to put food on and raise money for the Marshfield’s youth club. I know lots of people were planning on coming up to the road to watch it and now they are going to be disappointed."

A LOCOG spokesman said: "The Olympic torch goes in to convoy mode when travelling through less populated areas so that it can get to its next landmark on time."