Torch Relay: Abbotsbury to Weymouth Beach

Former Abbotsbury resident Fabian Peterkin, 15, did the first leg, and said: “I was quite excited but nervous as well. It’s definitely the best thing I've done.

“It was good to carry it where I grew up.”

A crowd gathered at Strangways Village Hall and sails lined buildings throughout the route.

The outdoor art project, which has been nine months in the making, was the brainchild of Sue Melville, of Wheelwrights tearooms and involved residents aged two to 82.

Torchbearer Bob Holman, aged 67, of Dorchester, described the experience as “Really, really wonderful.”

He was recognised for teaching more than 1,000 kids from the villages around Bere Regis to swim.

Mrs Melville told of the villagers’ relief that the relay did not need to be redirected due to recent flooding.

She added: “The sails look wonderful, it’s been one big high.”

Janice Osborne, aged 69, travelled from Essex for the event.

Rain failed to dampen the spirits of seven-year-old spectator Lucy Wareham, who saw the torch in Dorchester and found it ‘ so awesome’ she travelled to see it again.

Portesham: 17:24-17:31

VILLAGERS braved the rain in Portesham to cheer on their torch runners.

The whole community came out to enjoy stalls and live music provided by The Mill Street Jazz Band in the garden of The Kings Arms.

Hazel Doble, aged nine, helped to run a stall with her grandma, Ruth Doble.

Hazel said: “I’m very excited for the torch. It’s great that it’s coming right through Portesham.

“Lots of people have come out even though it’s raining, which is good.”

The whole village was in a festive mood with flags and bunting decorated almost every house and garden along Goose Hill and Bramdon Lane.

Family and friends of torchbearer Tracey Moore came to see her off as she made her way along the route.

Mrs Moore said: “The rain isn’t going to stop me having a wonderful time. This is a fantastic moment and I’m so happy that all my family are here to enjoy it with me.”

The two torches ‘kissed’ on Bramdon Lane and Phil Kybert carried it to the end of the village and was met with hugs, kisses and cheers from his loved ones.

Chickerell and Wyke Regis: 17:41-18:37

RED, white and blue lined the streets of Chickerell and Wyke Regis as patriotic crowds braved the rain to see the Olympic torch.

Signs saying ‘Fleet loves the Olympics’ greeted the flame as it started off with torchbearer Catherine Richards, her mum Sarah Richards was there to see her and she said: “It’s lovely, I’m very proud.”

Batton twirlers performed with a flourish as the torch went past while friends shouted ‘Run faster’ and ‘Slow coach’ in jest at torchbearer Chris Jenkins.

While Weymouth girl Isis Hill ran a double leg of the route to cheers.

At the Marquis of Granby pub by the Granby industrial Estate torchbearer Peter Clarke was greeted by the sight of people dressed up as the 118 advert characters.

The rain threw it down as the torch, carried by Peter Fry, went over the hill at Lanehouse.

Torchbearer Jo Shorey danced her way through her stint and did a jig at the end with Paul Clark to huge applause.

Steve Rawlinson draped himself in a Union flag and hat to await the arrival of torchbearer Neil Hardisty.

Steve ran alongside Neil along Chickerell Road shouting words of encouragement for his Budmouth College colleague.

Weymouth resident Neil, known as ‘Doc’, has been foster dad to numerous children and has volunteered with youth clubs for 40 years.

Also proudly holding the flame aloft through Chickerell were Andrew McNulty, Chris Jenkins, Isis Hill, Pete Clarke, Peter Fry and Darrell Farley.

Osprey Quay: 18:40-19:00

THOUSANDS of people created a human corridor for Portland torchbearer Katrina Hughes to carry the flame across the Olympic and Paralympic Sailing venue.

The Skandia Team GBR performance squad sailor then passed the flame on to Olympic gold and silver medallist sailor Rodney Pattisson, who continued the relay by sea.

Mr Pattisson, who was Britain’s most successful sailor for 32 years, sailed out in a dinghy with the flame held aloft, accompanied by young competitors from the National School Sailing Association’s regatta.

Crowds of people raced behind 22-year-old Katrina Hughes, of the Grove, and then lined the slipways to witness the spectacle at Osprey Quay.

Fay Horwell attended with her daughter Kate, 16, from Slough and said: “It was good fun, worth coming down for even in the rain.”

Weymouth Beach: 19:20

A SEA of umbrellas welcomed the Olympic torch as crowds enjoyed Weymouth’s evening celebrations.

Rain lashed down as youngest Weymouth and Portland borough councillor Ryan Hope carried the torch across the water.

He passed the flame to Di Ludlow and thousands cheered her on as she lit a huge cauldron on stage.

Mrs Ludlow was welcomed by Olympic swimming medallist Sharron Davis as the crowds cheered.

When asked by Sharron Davies about Britain’s Olympic hopes, she said: “Our sailors are second to none. They are going to sweep the board.”

It came after a crowd-boosting performance from rapper Wretch 32, who gave Weymouth a ‘shout-out’ in his best-known song Traktor.

Patrick Buckler, who carried his six-year-old daughter Maya on his shoulders to see the stage, said: “I’m Ryan Hope’s uncle.

“The whole family is here to see him bring the torch in to Weymouth.

It’s a proud moment and makes this evening extra-special.”

Onlooker Phyl Bartlett said: “We were coming to this, rain or shine. We just feel that everyone should get involved.

“This is never going to happen again, it’s once-in-a-lifetime experience.”