One special day as Olympic flame visits Melton

Twelve inspirational torchbearers carried the flame through the borough, seizing their moment to shine.

And there was a carnival atmosphere throughout the day on Tuesday as seemingly everyone came out to see the torch and cheer it on its way.

Hundreds of schoolchildren welcomed the torch in Asfordby before villager David Newton (61), a St John Ambulance stalwart and marathon runner, helped bring the flame into Melton.

He handed over to Town Estate feoffee and charity fundraiser John Southerington (66), of Melton, whose leg took took him along Nottingham Street.

Market Place was packed to the rafters with well-wishers while Play Close had been turned into an Olympic village where excited youngsters took part in a festival of different sports coordinated by Melton Council, Active Melton and the borough’s sports clubs.

Ab Kettleby School pupil Mia Atherley (10), wgho play for Asfordby Amateurs Girls, said: “I can’t wait for London 2012 to begin. I love running, too, and my all-time hero is Seb Coe.”

The torch relay then stopped off at Long Field School which was hosting an Olympic Festival attended by up to 3,000 people and involved about 20 schools.

As BBC Radio 2’s Jeremy Vine show broadcast live from the school the crowds starting lining up Leicester Road and Dalby Road where GB Down’s Syndrome swimmer Andy Bank (25), from Harby, carried the torch.

Speaking after carrying the flame, Mr Southerington said: “I couldn’t believe the magnitude of the event. It was an amazing experience, and the crowds were fabulous.”

And Mr Newton said: “It was out of this world, like a dream, you just didn’t know where to look.”

Mayor of Melton John Illingworth said: “What a fantastic day. The atmosphere was great and we thank everyone in the Melton community who supported the day and did the borough proud.”

m The torchbearers:-

Wymeswold: Meg Arnold (16); Ted Collins (64)

Asfordby: Sue Jones (62); Sergio Ceresa (42)

Melton: Andy Banks (25); Bernie Poyser (29); David Newton (61); Debs Eagle (40); Jenni Jones (17); John Southerington (66); Lili Curtis (13); Lynda Lally (53); Mark O’Flynn (51); Noreen Oliver (52)

Langham: Heather Graham (28); Nia Durant (15)

Frisby Fencers coach Richard Sharpe (49), of East Goscote, and all-round sportswoman, coach and volunteer Katie Hale (20), from Melton, carried the torch in Leicester and Kibworth respectively.