Local authority leaders have defended the £6m spent hosting last summer's Olympic torch relay across the country.

According to figures obtained by the Press Association, councils spent an average of around £40,0000 to host the torch.

Responding to the figures, Cllr Flick Rea, chair of the Local Government Association's culture, tourism and sport board, said: ‘The torch relay was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for most people and councils wanted to make it as special and memorable as they could.

‘It brought communities together, enthused youngsters about sport, boosted local economies and showcased areas for potential investment.

‘The torch relay was a huge logistical challenge. Without council efforts in managing thousands of road closures, recruiting a small army of volunteer marshals, setting up safety barriers and managing crowds, cleaning up after the cavalcade and handling a vast range of other issues, it simply wouldn't have happened.

‘The cost to each council could be affected by many things, such as how long the torch was in their area, the number of villages, towns and cities it passed through, the volume of spectators and whether it laid on extra entertainment or hosted an evening event. Few, if any, meaningful conclusions can be drawn by comparing expenditure on an issue with so many variables.'