A Hackney design duo have been chosen to create the London 2012 Olympic torch.

Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby of Shoreditch studio Barber Osgerby in Charlotte Road have won the contract to design the torch and celebration cauldrons, which will be used during the 70-day Olympic torch relay next year.

Eight thousand torchbearers will to carry the Olympic flame around the UK after it arrives in the country from Greece on May 18 2012

A spokeswoman for Barber Osgerby told the Gazette: “We can confirm that Edward and Jay have been appointed to design the London 2012 Olympic torch. They are thrilled to be involved creatively in such a major world event.”

The pair are planning to unveil the torch in June this year.

The relay will conclude on the evening of 27 July 2012, with the lighting of the Olympic cauldron to open the London 2012 Olympic Games.

The Shoreditch designers are also working on the Paralympic torch relay that will take place between the close of the Olympic Games and the start of the Paralympic Games in August 2012.

Sebastian Coe, chairman of LOCOG (London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games) said: “Ninety five per cent of the UK population will be within a one hour journey time of the Olympic torch relay and we are now developing the torch which will be one of the key visual icons of the London Olympic Games.”