When the Olympic torch came through Warrington

At the moment the torch is travelling through France before the games open in July.

Well today marks 12 years since the Olympic torch relay lit up Warrington ahead of the 2012 Olympic games.

Horrendous weather failed to dampen spirits as crowds running into the tens of thousands lined the route through the town centre, past The Halliwell Jones Stadium and into the Orford Jubilee Hub where an even bigger audience was waiting.

Four of the 13 runners who passed through Warrington were residents from the town.

Steve Deakin and Jason Elkalah

Transplant games champion Steve Deakin, from Great Sankey, said carrying the Olympic torch was one of the highlights of his life.

While Thelwall teenager Jason El-Kelah was invited to take part as a reward for his charity work with the Warrington Wolves Foundation.

He passed the torch to Helen Lea, head teacher at St Peter’s Primary School in Woolston.

The final glory was handed to 12-year-old Birchwood High School student Emily Woodward.

Emily near the finish

Thousands were gathered at Orford Park to see her present the torch to Mayor Clr Steve Wright.

She said: “It was amazing. It is the best thing that has ever happened to me.

“I cannot compare it to anything else.”

Outside the bus station

Crowds at The Halliwell Jones

Huge crowds at Orford Hub

Excited crowds in the town centre

Brazillian Oscar Schmidt

Emily Woodward