Olympic torch relay was an historic event for our towns

Thousands of people lined the route of the torch relay with Warwick being the first port of call for the torch bearers - some of whom were people from our towns who had been specially selected for the honour.

Spectator Rob Bates said: “The sun came out as torch reached Warwick Castle, there was such a great atmosphere and the local torchbearers were fantastic.

“It was a good day.”

After leaving Warwick the torch was carried through Leamington and up the Parade with some spectators commenting that they had never seen the town centre so busy.

The flame was then taken to Kenilworth, with torchbearers stopping briefly for photographs.

Activities, including family fun events, took place in St Nicholas Park, The Pump Room Gardens and Abbey Fields and social networking sites were filled with photos of the celebrations.

The torch was paraded through other Warwickshire towns, including Rugby, yesterday (Monday).

Cllr Alan Farnell, leader of Warwickshire County Council, said: “The spotlight of the world has shone on Warwickshire over the past two days of the Olympic torch relay, and the event has been a major showcase for the county.

“It was a truly memorable occasion for everyone.

“An estimated 750,000 people turned out for the torch in the West Midlands and it was fantastic to see such huge crowds and a great atmosphere all along on the route.

“I must say well done to all the Torchbearers who carried the flame with pride in their communities and for making the relay event so special. We are honoured to have been part of the Olympic journey and it has been a major triumph for Warwickshire.”

For more photographs of the Olympic torch relay see Friday’s Leamington and Warwick Couriers and Kenilworth Weekly News.