Pair star in Olympic extravaganza

Buy photos » Steve Brookes was chosen to take part in the industrial revolution section of the opening ceremony. (s)

WHILE millions of people across the world were enjoying the spectacle of the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympics, one Hunt End man was in the thick of the action.

Steve Brookes took on the role of a loom operator during the industrial revolution sequence.

He was chosen as the company he works for, UK Loco based in Cropthorne near Pershore, was selected by LOCOG to design, build and theme working looms and the crucible used to cast the Olympic rings on stage before they were hoisted up for the world to see.

Mr Brookes spent two weeks rehearsing for the show.

"It was phenomenal. Once the crowd started cheering all the nerves disappeared it was really incredible and the television coverage just didn't do it justice."

Former Redditch man Robert Millwood also took part in last Friday's (July 27) extravaganza.

The 32-year-old, originally from Enfield, was chosen to be one of the forgers in the Pandemonium section of the show, where he hammered together an Olympic Ring which was set alight at the end of the performance.

The role was extra special to Robert as his Grandfather worked as a forger at High Duty Alloys, in Redditch, for 25 years where he made parts for planes in the Second World War.

"Working in an office I never really had a link to how he must have felt at work. He had created parts for iconic planes in the Second World War, and now I helped create one of the most iconic images possible," he told the Standard.

He added he felt extremely lucky, especially because he was one of 36 people who were allowed to remain on the stage as the rings were set alight.

"As I stood below the fire of the rings raining down on top of me, I felt incredibly proud. It didn't hit me till afterwards, how much it would mean."

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