Thousands watch Olympic Torch Relay in South Shropshire
Thousands of people took to the streets of south Shropshire this afternoon to catch a glimpse of the Olympic Torch relay as it passed through Ludlow, Clee Hill and Cleobury Mortimer.
The flame arrived in Ludlow having travelled from Herefordshire in 'transit mode'. It was greeted by hundreds of people at Ludford Bridge and around the town.
The torch travelled along Lower Broad Street, before making its way along Old Street, Bull Ring, Corve Street, Station Drive, Gravel Hill before turning onto Henley road and finishing at the junction of Weyman Road.
Carrying the torch through Ludlow were Matty Clarke, 15 from Lydbury North, Alex Hollis, 12 from Kidderminster, Emma Patrick, 45 from Hereford, Chole Stanik, 13 from Leominster and Lucy Fellows, 15 from Stourport On Severn.
From Ludlow the flame travelled in transit to Clee Hill were it was met with a warm welcome at just after 2.30pm.
The torch was carried in Clee Hill by Alex Peart, 18 from Stourbridge starting at the junction of Clee Vantage on Ludlow Road, before making its way along Ludlow Road through to High Street carried by Bill Hoe, 51 from Worcester.
After going back into transit mode the relay reached Cleobury Mortimer around 14.50.
Beginning at the junction of Larks Rise the torch was carried along Ludlow Road through to High Street, Church Street, Lower Street and onto Station Road where it will go into transit just past Yeldside Gardens.
Stuart Watson, 16 from Telford and Christopher Morton, 69 from Malvern carried the torch.
In Cleobury Mortimer over 1,000 young people, including children from Stottesdon CofE Primary School took part in a day of activities to mark the event.
The Olympic Flame then travelled onto Far Forest before heading to Callow Hill and the next stop, Bewdley in north Worcestershire.
Steve Charmley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member responsible for active and healthy lifestyles, said:
“It’s been a truly fantastic day and I’m delighted so many communities were able enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
“We are pleased that our first experience of the Olympic Torch Relay in Shropshire was a success and that we have helped to provide an appetiser, getting people in the mood for this summer’s Olympic Games.”
The convoy travelling with the Flame consisted of 14 core vehicles, including a pilot car, Torchbearer drop-off and pick-up shuttles, Presenting Partner vehicles, a media vehicle, a command car and security vehicles. The lead convoy, including the Presenting Partner vehicles, provided entertainment for the crowds.
Wednesday 30 May Shropshire Olympic Torch Visit
On Wednesday 30 May the Olympic torch will visit Shropshire for a second time calling at Oswestry, Pant, Llanymynech, Shrewsbury, Cressage, Much Wenlock, Benthall, Broseley, Ironbridge, Telford and Newport.
