Olympic Flame lights up borough

By Harriet Ernstsons 01/07 Updated: 01/07 11:04

Buy photos » Melissa and Leona Johnson, aged seven and four, get into the spirit of the day. Pictures by Connie Osborne.

OLYMPIC fever hit the borough this morning (Sunday) as thousands gathered to welcome the Olympic Torch.

Crowds lined the streets in the town centre and Astwood Bank to watch the flame as part of its journey across the UK ahead of the London 2012 opening ceremony on July 27.

Redditch Borough Council leader Bill Hartnett said the day had been 'brilliant'.

"There was a carnival atmosphere down in the town for the once in a lifetime experience of the torch coming to Redditch borough.

"I am really impressed with how many people turned out to watch it."

MP Karen Lumley told the Standard it was great to see so many people turning out to support the Olympic Flame.

"It was really good for the town of Redditch and I was really pleased to see how busy it was in town and hope it was the same all the way down to Evesham Road. It makes everyone proud to be British."

Residents came from across Redditch and beyond for the event with entertainment including samba band Someone At The Door, Zumba and dancers from Matchborough First School.

Church Hill North resident Ann Pickles said there had been a 'wonderful turnout', adding: "I was very impressed and it was very well organised. I think it's very important for people to come out and support it."

Liz Jones came from Barnt Green to see the event. She said: "It's a fantastic day and it's lovely everyone can come out early on a Sunday morning and celebrate what is history."

Gordon Evans from Webheath made sure he had a spot on Grove Street at the start of the Redditch relay.

"We will never see this happen again, it's a once in a lifetime opportunity. I really wanted to see the beginning and think it's been a fantastic day."

Maggie Cunningham from Brockhill added: "It's been a brilliant day and one we will remember. We were very excited to see the torch come through Redditch."

For more pictures and coverage of the day, see this week's Redditch Standard.