Thousands welcome Olympic torch

Over 170,000 people have made sporting history by lining the streets to welcome the Olympic torch to Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

Trips on the Great Central Railway, a canal boat at Foxton Locks and a warrior boat at Rutland Water, and a fun-packed evening celebration, were allpart of the flame's two-day visit which has been branded a huge success.

Around 20,000 residents were entertained by Twist and Pulse and dance troupe Morning Parade at theevening event held at Abbey Park in Leicester on Monday (2nd July).

The county, city and district councils, police, fire and rescue service and others have worked together closely to manage the relay, co-ordinate plansand ensure it ransafely.

Deputy city mayor Cllr Rory Palmer said: "I'd like to thank everyone involved in the organisation of this fantastic event, as well as all of those who lined the streets in their thousands to support it and made this an occasion we will all remember for a long time to come."

Lesley Pendleton, Leicestershire County Council cabinet member for environment and transport, said: "The torch relay is an historic occasion and I'm delighted thatresidents have done Leicestershire proud and thronged the streets to celebrate the flame's visit. I'm pleased that the hard work of local agencies has paid off and that the event ran smoothly."

Roger Begy, Leader of Rutland County Council: It was an extremely proud moment for everyone in Rutland to see the Olympic Torch travel through our local area.It is certainly an honour tobe part of London 2012 and I was delighted to see, in particular, our schools taking such an active part in the Torch Relay celebrations at Rutland Water. Congratulations to everyone from across Rutland and Leicestershire who helped organise the event.”

Cllr Blake Pain, Harborough District Council spokesman for sport, leisure and culture, said: "It has been a privilege to welcome and host this part of the torch relay through the district. I think the turnout demonstrates how proud Harborough district residents are about their place and what a supportive community we are. This opportunity has placed our district on the ‘world stage’ and we should all be very proud of our contribution towards this remarkable, once in a lifetime event."

Councillor Paul Harley, Charnwood Borough Council's Cabinet Member for Leisure and Culture, said: "What an amazing day!We're so proudto have playedsuch a starring roleinthis spectacular and historicTorch Relay cameo. The crowds were brilliant andourband of inspirationalTorchbearers did a magnificent job in carrying the flame. This was a once in a lifetime moment and I'm delighted to say we seized it.

Nicola Pedge, Customer Services Manager for Oadby and Wigston Borough Council, said: Oadby and Wigston Borough Council are proud to announce that it was wonderful to see the Torch bearers route through Oadby lined with 10,000 enthusiastic supporters cheering on this memorable event. The day was a complete success thanks to the hard work ofthose staff and other organisations that contributed to the day.”

Leicestershire Police’s Assistant Chief Constable Steph Morgan said: The people of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland have had a fantastic opportunity to see the Olympic torch as it has passed through their local communities.

Planning for the policing operation around the torch relay has been ongoing for a considerable length of time and I am delighted that the event has passed off smoothly and without incident, thanks in no small way to the support of the local public and our partner organisations.”

Shaun O’Donnell, Area Manager for Community Response at Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service, said: We are delighted that all the planning and preparation prior to the Olympic Torch Relay coming to our area ensured that the part we played in this event went very well. I would like to thank the efforts of everyone involved both in the Service and our partner agencies for their co-operation during the many months bringing this to fruition.”

The torch travelled through the area as part of its historic 70-day journey around the UK.

On 2nd July, the torch passed through Market Harborough, Lubenham, Foxton, Kibworth Harcourt, Oadby and stayed overnight in Leicester, where an evening celebration was held in Abbey Park.

On July 3rd, itleft Leicester just after 7am and travelled through Quorn, Loughborough, Hoton, Wymeswold, Asfordby, Melton Mowbray, Langham, Oakham, Rutland Water, Uppinghamand Stamford before ending the day at Peterborough.

Crowd figure break down

·53,000 = Leicester City

·25,000 = Harborough

·10,000 = Oadby and Wigston

·50,000 = Charnwood

·20,000 = Melton Borough

·15,000 = Rutland