70 days 8,000 runners 8,000 miles Torch relay FAQs
Routes
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- Day 1 Land's End to Plymouth May 19
- Day 2 Plymouth to Exeter May 20
- Day 3 Exeter to Taunton May 21
- Day 4 Taunton to Bristol May 22
- Day 5 Bristol to Cheltenham May 23
- Day 6 Gloucester to Worcester May 24
- Day 7 Worcester to Cardiff May 25
- Day 8 Cardiff to Swansea May 26
- Day 9 Swansea to Aberystwyth May 27
- Day 10 Aberystwyth to Bangor May 28
- Day 11 Beaumaris to Chester May 29
- Day 12 Chester to Stoke-on-Trent May 30
- Day 13 Stoke-on-Trent to Bolton May 31
- Day 14 Bolton to Liverpool June 1
- Day 15 Liverpool to Castletown June 2
- Day 16 Belfast to Portrush June 3
- Day 17 Carrick-a-Rede to Londonderry June 4
- Day 18 Londonderry to Newry June 5
- Day 19 Dublin to Belfast June 6
- Day 20 Newcastle to Moorfields June 7
- Day 21 Stranraer to Glasgow June 8
- Day 22 Glasgow to Inverness June 9
- Day 23 Kirkwall to Lerwick June 10
- Day 24 Stornoway to Aberdeen June 11
- Day 25 Aberdeen to Dundee June 12
- Day 26 St Andrews to Edinburgh June 13
- Day 27 Edinburgh to Alnwick June 14
- Day 28 Alnwick to Newcastle upon Tyne June 15
- Day 29 Gateshead to Durham June 16
- Day 30 Durham to Middlesbrough June 17
- Day 31 Middlesbrough to Hull June 18
- Day 32 Hull to York June 19
- Day 33 York to Carlisle June 20
- Day 34 Dumfries to Bowness-on-Windermere June 21
- Day 35 Kendal to Blackpool June 22
- Day 36 Lytham St Anne's to Manchester June 23
- Day 37 Salford to Leeds June 24
- Day 38 Leeds to Sheffield June 25
- Day 39 Sheffield to Cleethorpes June 26
- Day 40 Grimsby to Lincoln June 27
- Day 41 Lincoln to Nottingham June 28
- Day 42 Nottingham to Derby June 29
- Day 43 Derby to Birmingham June 30
- Day 44 Birmingham to Coventry July 1
- Day 45 Coventry to Leicester July 2
- Day 46 Leicester to Peterborough July 3
- Day 47 Peterborough to Norwich July 4
- Day 48 Norwich to Ipswich July 5
- Day 49 Ipswich to Chelmsford July 6
- Day 50 Chelmsford to Cambridge July 7
- Day 51 Cambridge to Luton July 8
- Day 52 Luton to Oxford July 9
- Day 53 Oxford to Reading July 10
- Day 54 Reading to Salisbury July 11
- Day 55 Salisbury to Weymouth July 12
- Day 56 Portland Bill to Bournemouth July 13
- Day 57 Bournemouth to Southampton July 14
- Day 58 Southampton to Portsmouth July 15
- Day 59 Portsmouth to Brighton July 16
- Day 60 Brighton to Hastings July 17
- Day 61 Hastings to Dover July 18
- Day 62 Deal to Maidstone July 19
- Day 63 Maidstone to Guildford July 20
- Day 64 Greenwich to Waltham Forest July 21
- Day 65 Redbridge to Bexley July 22
- Day 66 Lewisham to Wandsworth July 23
- Day 67 Kingston to Ealing July 24
- Day 68 Harrow to Haringey July 25
- Day 69 Camden to Westminster July 26
- Day 70 Hampton Court to Olympic Stadium July 27
70 days; 70 routes
- Day 1 Land's End to Plymouth
- Day 2 Plymouth to Exeter
- Day 3 Exeter to Taunton
- Day 4 Taunton to Bristol
- Day 5 Bristol to Cheltenham
- Day 6 Gloucester to Worcester
- Day 7 Worcester to Cardiff
- Day 8 Cardiff to Swansea
- Day 9 Swansea to Aberystwyth
- Day 10 Aberystwyth to Bangor
- Day 11 Beaumaris to Chester
- Day 12 Chester to Stoke-on-Trent
- Day 13 Stoke-on-Trent to Bolton
- Day 14 Bolton to Liverpool
- Day 15 Liverpool to Castletown
- Day 16 Belfast to Portrush
- Day 17 Carrick-a-Rede to Londonderry
- Day 18 Londonderry to Newry
- Day 19 Dublin to Belfast
- Day 20 Newcastle to Moorfields
- Day 21 Stranraer to Glasgow
- Day 22 Glasgow to Inverness
- Day 23 Kirkwall to Lerwick
- Day 24 Stornoway to Aberdeen
- Day 25 Aberdeen to Dundee
- Day 26 St Andrews to Edinburgh
- Day 27 Edinburgh to Alnwick
- Day 28 Alnwick to Newcastle upon Tyne
- Day 29 Gateshead to Durham
- Day 30 Durham to Middlesbrough
- Day 31 Middlesbrough to Hull
- Day 32 Hull to York
- Day 33 York to Carlisle
- Day 34 Dumfries to Bowness-on-Windermere
- Day 35 Kendal to Blackpool
- Day 36 Lytham St Anne's to Manchester
- Day 37 Salford to Leeds
- Day 38 Leeds to Sheffield
- Day 39 Sheffield to Cleethorpes
- Day 40 Grimsby to Lincoln
- Day 41 Lincoln to Nottingham
- Day 42 Nottingham to Derby
- Day 43 Derby to Birmingham
- Day 44 Birmingham to Coventry
- Day 45 Coventry to Leicester
- Day 46 Leicester to Peterborough
- Day 47 Peterborough to Norwich
- Day 48 Norwich to Ipswich
- Day 49 Ipswich to Chelmsford
- Day 50 Chelmsford to Cambridge
- Day 51 Cambridge to Luton
- Day 52 Luton to Oxford
- Day 53 Oxford to Reading
- Day 54 Reading to Salisbury
- Day 55 Salisbury to Weymouth
- Day 56 Portland Bill to Bournemouth
- Day 57 Bournemouth to Southampton
- Day 58 Southampton to Portsmouth
- Day 59 Portsmouth to Brighton
- Day 60 Brighton to Hastings
- Day 61 Hastings to Dover
- Day 62 Deal to Maidstone
- Day 63 Maidstone to Guildford
- Day 64 Greenwich to Waltham Forest
- Day 65 Redbridge to Bexley
- Day 66 Lewisham to Wandsworth
- Day 67 Kingston to Ealing
- Day 68 Harrow to Haringey
- Day 69 Camden to Westminster
- Day 70 Hampton Court to Olympic Stadium
Explore our map to find out where the torch is going each day or check the text version to see a list of locations.
- Map colour key
- Past day
- Today
- Future day
- Find out more
Estimated arrival times
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Gateshead
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South Shields
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Whitburn
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Sunderland
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Low Fell & Chowdene
-
Blaydon
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Prudhoe
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Stocksfield
-
Hexham
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Riding Mill
-
Consett
-
Moorside
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Castleside
-
Tow Law
-
Esh
-
Langley Park
-
Durham
- Map colour key
- Start stop
- Finish stop
- Past stop
- Torch location
- Future stop
- Approximate route
- Find out more
Estimated arrival times
-
Gateshead
- The Sage Gateshead
- The Sage Gateshead Roof Abseil
- The Sage Gateshead
- Hillgate
- Bridge Street
- Oakwell Gate
- Eastway
- A167
- Park Lane (A184)
- A184
- Gateshead International Stadium footpath
- Athletics Track
- Gateshead International Stadium footpath
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South Shields
- Crossgate
- Weston Road
- Beach Road
- Anderson Street
- Ocean Road (A183)
- Sea Road (A183)
- Coast Road (A183)
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Whitburn
- Mill Lane (A183)
- Whitburn Bents Road (A183)
-
Sunderland
- Whitburn Bents Road (A183)
- Whitburn Road (A183)
- Harbour View (A183)
- Dame Dorothy Street (A183)
- A183
- St Peters Way
- Dame Dorothy Street
- North Bridge Street
- Southwick Road (B1289)
- Stadium Way
- Millennium Way
- Sunderland Aquatic Centre entrance footpath
- Sunderland Aquatic centre poolside
- Aquatic Centre back fire-exit footpath
- North Bridge Street
- West Wear Street (A1018)
- High Street West
- Fawcet Street
- Burdon Road
- Mowbray Park
- Burdon Road
- Park Road
- Stockton Road
- St Michaels Way
- Chester Road
- The Royalty
- A183 Western Hill
- Chester Road (A183)
- Herrington Country Park Driveway
- Herrington Country Park
- Herrington Country Park Driveway
- Chester Road (A183)
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Lowfell & Chowdene
- Angel of the North Car-Park
- Durham Road (A167)
- Hertford
- Trafford
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Blaydon
- Shibdon Road
- Blaydon Primary Care Centre
- Shibdon Road
-
Prudhoe
- Stonyflat Bank (B6395)
- Front Street (B6395)
- West Road (B6395)
- B6395
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Stocksfield
- A695
-
Hexham
- Rotary Way
- Station Road
- Wentworth Leisure Centre
- Wentworth Leisure Centre Car-Park
- Station Road
- A695
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Riding Mill
- A695
-
Consett
- Cutlers Hall Road (A691)
- Durham Road (A691)
- Villa Real Road (A691)
- A692
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Moorside
- A692
- Gill View (A692)
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Castleside
- Gill View (A692)
- Park Terrace (A692)
- Consett Road (A692)
- Rowley Bank (A68)
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Tow Law
- Dan's Castle (A68)
- Smith Street (B6301)
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Esh
- Front Street
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Langley Park
- Esk Terrace
- Front Street
- Langley Road
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Durham
- A691
- Dryburn Park
- Dryburn Road
- B6532
- North Road
- Wharton Footpath
- North Road
- Silver Street
- Bridge
- Silver Street
- Saddler
- Elvet Bridge
- New Elvet
- Old Elvet
- Green Lane
- Racecourse Approach Road
- Cricket Pavillion
Evening Celebration
Durham University Racecourse
Torch Relay News
Watch/Listen
-
Watch Olympic torch relay highlights -
Watch 'Olympomania' at Hyde Park -
Watch Torch visits Downing Street -
Watch 'Eddie and Patsy' carry flame -
Watch Bollywood star carries flame -
Watch Olympic torch: Banks at Wembley -
Watch Torch visits EastEnders set -
Watch Tennis stars in Olympic torch relay -
Watch South London hosts torch relay -
Watch Skier takes flame on London Eye
0650: Good morning and welcome to day 29 of the Olympic torch relay. After yesterday's daring zip-wire trip off the Tyne Bridge, the flame continues its high level antics by abseiling off The Sage performance centre in Gateshead.
Your live text commentators this morning are Ian Hughes and Christine Jeavans.
0656: BBC Newcastle reporter Helen Richardson is on the roof of the Sage Gateshead and say the torch bearer Richard Jackson is making his way to the roof in his "fantastic wonderful white outfit".
"We're joined on one long rope - it's like a team building exercise"
0659: BBC Newcastle report Kathryn Tickell, famous Northumbrian piper and folk musician, is on the roof of the Sage too but wearing a skirt rather than trousers! Not sure she knew she'd be on the roof. She's just played a burst of Northumbrian pipes.
0703: Here's the flame coming over the top of The Sage in the hands of Richard Jackson, 45 from Seaton Sluice. He pauses to give a wave which elicits a cheer from the small crowd below.
Even in the drizzle, the mirrored windows of The Sage reflect the flame as Richard abseils down.
Just before making his descent, he told BBC Newcastle's Charlie Charlton he was nervous and it was quite difficult. He said: "It's all about where you put your feet so you don't slip on the glass and fall on your face - or drop the torch"
0705: Back down to earth now, and with two feet on the ground Abby Knox takes over the torch. The 12-year-old is the captain of her netball team and has also competed in cross country running, indoor rowing and sports hall athletics.
0708: Abby sets off with the flame from The Sage, it's pretty wet here but a small crowd has turned out to greet her.
0711: Next up is former Royal Marine Fred Smith, who served in the Falklands. Now aged 55, he is a coach at Saltwell Harriers and also helps out at his local Boys' Brigade.
He's taking the flame up the hill away from the Tyne.
0714: Are you heading along to see the torch relay today or watching via the website? We want to hear from you! Tweet us at @BBC2012 and visit our Facebook page at BBC London 2012.
0715: Just a glimpse of the Tyne Bridge in the background there before we round the corner and the flame is passed to amputee William Smith.
0720: A big smile from William as he completes his stint with the torch and he passes the flame to Shanoor Choudhury.
Up ahead, crowds are gathering at Gateshead International Stadium. Tom Carlisle tweeted this picture
And BBC Newcastle's Steph Finnon said: "At half past six in the morning there were 100s of people in the stands - when do you ever see that in Gateshead Stadium?
"Gateshead's ready to party. At half past six they were ready to party!"
0725: Descibed as 'a real korfball ace' by his nominator, Paul Vreeburg begins his leg of the relay. Paul is a coach of the Dutch sport, which is a mixed gender team game that has similarities to netball and basketball.
0730: Promising young sportsman Jon Mellish is 14 and an impressive all-rounder. He plays football for the Sunderland academy, rugby with the Newcastle Falcons elite academy and has competed in indoor 1500m races for Tyne and Wear as well as cross country races for South Tyneside, Durham County and North of England.
He recently won the top honour of editors'choice overall sports personality at the South Tyneside sports awards.
0731: As befits a young athlete, Jon is taking the flame into Gateshead International Stadium, where, unfortunately, Torchcam can't follow. However we will bring you pictures as soon as we have them.
This is the venue where, in 2006, Jamaican sprinter Asafa Powell equalled his own then-world record of 9.77secs for the 100m. Not sure Jon will be quite so speedy today - he wouldn't want to put the flame out!
0737: BBC Newcastle's Matthew Raisbeck said the stadium had provided a "wonderful reception for the torch". He said: "You can hear the cheers and applause from the crowds."
And Steph Finnon said Jonn Mellish looked "stunned" as he ran past and into the stadium.
Here's Jon after carrying the flame around the stadium track - tweeted by Tom Carlisle:
0744: The flame is in convoy on its way to South Shields where among the torchbearers will be distance running legends Haile Gebrselassie and Brendan Foster.
0755: We've arrived in South Shields and first with the torch is Andrew Moore, who lost his sight in 2001. Andrew now works with the charity Sight Service, encouraging young blind people to visit new places and take part in outdoor activities.
Since 2003, Andrew has run the Great North Run and trains with a local athletics club.
He's off at a good pace, with a member of the Torch Security Team alongside.
0803: Madison Raborn is the second torchbearer in a row from sponsors Dow. He passes the flame to Steven Winson who works for the charity Crisis as a mentor to disadvantaged young people. Crisis is national charity for single homeless people.
Some Geordie and Mackem humour around this morning. Andy Brown tweets: "Hungover and in the Metro station, who's idea was it to carry the #Olympictorch in Sunderland early on a Saturday morning? "
And Geordie Stone says: "7am south shields streets are packed with people waving and cheering at me! Am only driving home."
0813: In March 2010, at the age of 19, the next torchbearer Michael Ready was diagnosed with Hodgkins lymphoma. He underwent six months of chemotherapy and 12 weeks of radiotherapy, and is now in remission.
When halfway through his chemotherapy he completed a 5k run for Lymphoma and Lukemia research. In one year, Michael has raised over £11,000 for charity.
0818: The next torchbearer is more used to running a distance more than 33 times greater than his torch relay leg. And he's pretty good at it, too. Legendary Ethiopian runner Haile Gebrselassie has twice won Olympic gold in the 10,000m and been world champion four times.
A massive smile from Haile as he takes the flame and a thumbs up as he sets off.
0819: Haile's sporting a snazzy pair of red trainers with the white tracksuit there. He gives another thumbs up and waves to the crowd as he jogs along at a much more sedate pace than we usually see from him!
0821: Another big grin as Haile passes the flame on to someone who also has a decent history in the 10,000m - former GB athlete Brendan Foster won bronze over that distance at the 1976 Olympics.
Brendan, from nearby Hebburn, is the founder of the Great North Run and he'll be taking the torch across the finish line of that route.
The pair share a nice little chat and a laugh and then Brendan sprints off with the torch!
0825: Brendan's just crossed the Great North Run finish line and goes back to do it again with Haile. There's a good crowd gathered here at The Leas in South Shields.
Among them is Brendan Foster's young granddaughter who was waiting for him at the finish line
0832: Short stretch of convoy now before the relay resumes in Whitburn
Small world, isn't it? Claire Paczko demonstrates with this tweet: "@BBC2012 Here is my friend @suzu1985 & I numbers 36 & 37 unbelievably we are passing 2 each other at 09.23."
0834: BBC Newcastle's Jo Carruthers is still at South Shields and says Brendan and Haile are posing for pictures with children from crowd and letting touch the torch.
Here's a great pic tweeted by Lindsay Kohberg:
0836: After losing his daughter Sara to cancer, Ged Hoburn set up the Sara's Hope Foundation to provide holidays in Crete for children and their families living with cancer.
He has raised £20,000 and saw his efforts come to fruition when, last year the first families visited Sara's Retreat.
0843: Robert Capozzella passes the flame to Wendy Scully who jogs along the road in Whitburn, where there is a good turnout and lots of flags, home made torches... and umbrellas.
0846: Next up is Nick Ridgeon, who works for both South Tyneside and Gateshead Councils, bringing sport to deprived areas and those who may not otherwise gain access to such activities.
He also raised £5,000 in 2010 before a trip to Zambia where he coached underprivileged children, adults, teachers and other coaches.
He jumps and kicks his heels together, waving all the way.
0849: Just passing the Whitburn Windmill which went out of use by 1896 but was restored 100 years later.
The walls are made of solid stone from Marsden quarry. It has a conical tower and a timber cap with sails and a fantail. The current sails are replicas as the real ones are too fragile to withstand high winds.
0852: This is former Olympic swimmer Chris Cook running with the flame and high-fiving people in the crowd, even a baby. And then he stops to kiss a little girl held in someone's arms, before passing the flame to Benassi Dominique.
0854: In 1998 Benassi Dominique lost his leg after a shooting accident. After his recovery, he took up sport and became a world champion triathlete. He has also crossed the Altantic Ocean in a rowing boat.
0858: Now taking the flame is Mia Rathband, the teenage daughter of PC David Rathband who was blinded by gunman Raoul Moat.
David had been nominated to carry the flame but he died in February and Mia is running in his place.
She is wearing a blindfold, in recognition of what happened to her father who admitted before he died that he found it very difficult to adjust to his disability.
In a statement, Mia's mother Kath said she knew David "would be very proud to see his Mia carry the torch".
0902: There is good support for Mia here with lots of people lining the streets. She receives a hug from the next torchbearer Stephen Betts, a former PE teacher.
0912: This is volunteer RNLI lifeboat crewman Luke McGill, 18, from Fulwell, Sunderland. Luke was chosen because of his many years of voluntary service to Sunderland Yacht Club and the RYA.
He's having a great time running from one side of the crowd to the other and holding out the torch for children to touch.
0915: Luke passes the flame to Lesley Finn, who has raised over £25k for Yorkhill Childrens Foundation, showing her appreciation for the care they gave her three-year-old year old daughter when she was diagnosed with a Wilms tumour in 2007.
0917: The flame passes to Tom Baker, not THAT Tom Baker - one Doctor Who only in this relay and Matt Smith ran in the first week. This Thomas Baker has organised the Boys Junior School Football League and run the School District Football Team for 40 years. He has also recently extended this to girls' football.
Since retiring as a teacher four years ago, Thomas he has continued in his enthusiasm for organising school sport and has also become involved in work with homeless people at the People's Kitchen in Newcastle.
0918: While still not exactly paddling weather, the day does look like it's brightening up a bit as we pass along the coastal road.
0920: Barry Emmerson in Whitburn says: "The Olympic torch has been all over the world and to come to a small village like Whitburn is a bit special. And to come right past my front door is even more special."
Lisa Cash is a believer in the power of the Olympics, as she tweets: "That is the beauty with such Olympic events, they can even bring smiles and jubilation to torch bearing champions like Mia Rathband."
0924: Next up is Bob Carpenter who at 68 is a new gym goer and wants to complete a fitness qualification so he can support other older gym users, run 'armchair aerobics' in sheltered housing and form a rock-scrambling group. Would that make them ageing rockers??
There's the view back up the coast to the Souter Lighthouse at Marsden, before the relay turns inland.
0928: Up ahead outside the Sunderland Aquatic Centre Councillor John Kelly, from Sunderland City Council, jokes that torchbearers won't be "walking on water" but, instead, crossing on a special boom. He said: "We've got so many people inside that swimming pool it's unbelievable."
0929: An average Saturday morning for Suzy Dawn? Wake up, shower get dressed, meet a friend... it just so happens that Suzy will meet her friend Claire Paczko when she passes the flame on to her in 300m time (see 0834 entry). Wonder what the pair have planned for next Saturday.
0931: And here's Claire Paczko. The friends clasp hands and give a joint curtsey before Claire takes on the flame.
She spends much of her free time fundraising for Cancer Research UK, Macmillan Cancer Support, Crisis and St Oswald's Hospice in Newcastle.
Claire pauses to kiss the torch, and waves to supporters as she carries the flame towards the centre of Sunderland.
0937: Thierry Ponton is a long way from home in Ensuès-la-Redonne where he is dedicated to several charities including Marseille Hospital and orphanage.
0938: Thierry passes the flame to Paul Brennan, who recently raised money for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust and the Children's Heart Unit at The Freeman Hospital in Newcastle by running 145 miles over five days.
0940: Ethan Walton takes the flame for the next leg. Ethan is 12 and a member of the North Tyneside Youth Council. Outside of that he plays basketball for North Shields basketball club, rugby for Whitley Bay Barbarians and is a a member of the Decote Dance troup.
He has also competed in the junior Great North Run and completed five-mile runs raising money for a cancer charity charity.
0942: We've just gone past the Anglo-Saxon church of St Peter's at Monkwearmouth which is one of the UK's first stone built churches.
Built in 674AD, the tower and west wall are original Saxon features and the church also has on display fragments of the oldest stained glass in the country, made by 7th Century European craftsmen.
0945: A lovely grin from young Ethan as he passes the flame to Nazmin Akthar, who is 25 and wants to be a barrister.
0951: Emily Russell passes the flame to the "Jarrow Arrow" Steve Cram. The former athlete was one of the British trio along with Steve Ovett and Sebastian Coe, who dominated middle distance running in the 1980s.
He won 1500m silver at the 1984 LA Olympics and set world records in the 1500m, 2000m and the mile in 1985.
0953: Steve Cram is taking the flame into the Sunderland Aquatic Centre where he will "walk on water" across the pool (on booms laid over the water). We hope it's more finding Stevo than Finding Nemo.
1002: This is Micah Berger who carries the flame over Wearmouth Bridge.
1004: The next torchbearer, John Wheatan, 73, lost his sister and best friend to leukaemia. He has dedicated 30 years to fundraising for Leukaemia research, raising about £3,000 per year. He has recently been made chairman of the Durham Branch of the charity.
1007: Mark Turnbull is off at a clip. He nomination says "he never puts himself first and will always help you, no matter what time of day or night". Two years ago Mark lost his gran,who was his second mother to him as his own mum died when he was 13.
1011: Mark passes the flame to Katie Williamson, a 17-year-old who has autism and suffers with Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension - rare neurological disorder. She is a junior representative of IIH UK, the only UK Chairty dedicated to the support of sufferers of IIH.
Lots of people in the centre of Sunderland now, among them a unicyclist who is running past (not cycling!).
1013: Bonjour et Allez! to two French torchbearers now. First is Clarisse Fageolles who has been involved in a charity NGO "Force Femmes" dedicated to women who lost their job to help them in finding a new job or to create their own business.
1018: And two kisses, naturellement, as Clarisse passes the flame to compatriot Jean-Yves Vanlemmens. The winter sports enthusiast will not be needing his skis today. He will, however, need them for his plans to help French Disabled Sports Federation to train people on the slopes.
He has also worked as a volunteer during the Games of the Future for the disabled.
1024: Earlier at Sunderland Aquatic Centre, spectators told the BBC how big the flame looked when it's inside, rather than outside and blown in the wind. One said: "Outside it looks like a small flame but once it is inside it looks absolutely spectacular".
1025: Scout leader Kirstie Mckeown from Consett passes the flame to Claire Parker, a campaigner for the rights of blind and partially sighted people. She has worked for local organisations like Sight Service and the Gateshead Access Panel as a volunteer.
1027: It is now the turn of Jessica Boyce. The 18-year-old, who has Asperger's syndrome, took a bronze medal in badminton at the Special Olympics Club. she has achieved her Duke of Edinburgh Bronze and Silver and is currently pursuing her Gold Award.
1030: BBC Newcastle's Stephanie Finnon, up ahead at Herrington Country Park, says: "Thousands of people have packed into the grounds, despite the mud. They've all got their wellies and waterproofs on, with cameras at the ready, waiting for the torch."
Apparently the celebration event there includes an attempt at a world hula-hooping record. Victoria French, event organiser, says they need more than 2,500 people to hula-hoop for over two minutes to break the record. Grace Jones, where are you?!
1032: Rachel Haxon's nomination says she loves dancing and teaches young children in dance classes. No pirouetting along with the flame from Rachel though.
1034: People are hanging out of the windows in Sunderland to see the relay. This is Kaye Dixon who is involved with raising money for The ABF Soldiers Charity. The organisation helps soldiers who have been injured in service and she has raised over £12,000. She's on home territory here and loving every minute it seems.
After running with the torch earlier today, Claire Paczko has tweeted: "Thanks to everyone who lined the streets in Whitburn/Roker. V much appreciated."
1037: Since moving to Sedgefield in 2004, the next torchbearer Scott Hydon has established and developed a thriving athletics club - Sedgefield Harriers. The club operates under an inclusive banner and over 100 local young people are inspired to participate in weekly training sessions.
1040: Scott passes the flame to Stefanie Wijnanda Lesterhuis from the Netherlands who was once an athlete but suffered a pulmonary embolism and had to give up top level training.
1044: Stefanie and fellow Dutchman Reinder Theodorus Treur do a little dance as they pass the flame.
1047: A short convoy now to Herrington Country Park, where a large crowd is waiting in the drizzle
1056: Setting off now is Amy Lyall, who is a sports ambassador for Biddick Sports College. Aged just 15, she has already achieved her Duke of Edinburgh Silver award. Doubt she'll have to do any map-reading for her stint with the torch though.
If you glimpsed what looked like a Greek temple on a hill there, it's the Penshaw Monument, a folly built in 1844.
Officially called the Earl of Durham's Monument this 70 foot high replica of the Temple of Hephaestus in Athens can be seen for miles around. It is considered to be Wearside's most beloved landmark, even appearing on the badge of Sunderland Football Club.
1059: Sorry folks, we seem to have lost the picture for the first time today, although the torch relay is due to have a short break at the country park.
It's been an eventful morning with the torch first abseiling off The Sage in Gateshead and later being carried by distance running legends Haile Gebrselassie and Brendan Foster and then by Mia Rathband, 13, who ran blindfolded in memory of her late father PC David Rathband who was blinded by Raoul Moat.
Andromeda tweets about the relay leg from Castleside to Tow Law saying: "In this weather the only person who could safely do that trek is Ranulph Fiennes."
1121: BBC Newcastle's Sue Sweeney is at Herrington Country Park, where the torch is taking a breather. She said: "I'm working my way through the mud. It's like Glastonbury now."
Caroline Warburton says on Facebook: "The flame is coming to Prudhoe in Northumberland about 2pm today. We are all so excited - Wendy Neal from Dragon Tale Theatre Group will be carrying through Front Street. Wonderful day for us all."
1126: BBC Newcastle's Mark Tulip says the biggest smile of the day belonged to 15-year-old torchbearer, Amy Lyall from Washington, as she ran into Herrington Country Park, where thousands have gathered, including the BBC Blue Peter team. He says the "hoola-hoop world record attempt should be fun". We'd like to see him try.
1129: It's so wet in Herrington Country Park our beloved #bbctorchcam has just had to be wiped dry.
1131: We're back in relay mode with Michel Immers carrying the torch.
1138: Next up is Connor Rowntree who is carrying the flame through Sunderland. The 18-year-old was left with third and fourth degree burns after an accident, spending almost a year in hospital where he underwent 100 medical procedures.
He now fronts a fire safety campaign in schools and colleges throughout the region, trying to prevent such accidents happening to to other children and showing them the consequences of messing with fire.
1143: Liam Wooton sets off at a fair clip. He volunteers for a range of youth projects and has also been a carer for his mum who suffers from MS.
1145: The flame goes back into the lantern and on to the van for a 10-minute drive, heading for Low Fell.
1149: The flame is due to visit the Angel of the North at 12:00. The sculpture, designed by Antony Gormley, stands 20m tall and has a wing span of 54m.
It has stood on a hill on the southern edge of Low Fell since 1998.
1152: BBC Newcastle's breakfast presenter Charlie Charlton says there are already thousands of people waiting for the torch at the Angel of the North. She says she is "staggered" by the number of people.
Johnny Gasson tweets: "Waiting for the #OlympicTorch @ Angel Of The North."
1200: The flame has arrived for its moment alongside the Angel of the North.
BBC Newcastle's Charlie Charlton says there has been "a stampede of people going underneath the wings of the Angel of the North" to follow the torchbearer.
1203: BBC Newcastle's Mark Tulip points out the number of cars parked near the Angel of the North and warns "it's going to be chaotic scenes, people trying to get out".
If you're there, why not watch BBC torchcam on your iphone or ipad while you're waiting for the congestion to ease.
1208: As the relay leaves the Angel of the North, local fundraiser Iris Hutchinson, who helps at a local Marie Curie Centre and holds regular tea parties to help raise funds, takes the torch.
1213: Iris passes the flame on to local gymnastics coach Jayne Dixon. The 31-year-old from Newcastle coaches a group of young gymnasts every week despite battling breast cancer.
She wipes away tears from her eyes as she begins her stint. But she soon smiles brightly and waves to the crowd who offer her warm support.
1215: Jeroen Erkelens takes over now. He motivates people who are out of work or depressed to take part in running and walking programmes.
He swings his arm in circles as he runs and is met by whoops from the spectators.
1218: The relay is back in convoy mode, heading to Blaydon - home of the Blaydon Races.
1220: The 1862 Blaydon Races Song is the National Anthem of Tyneside. For those of you not familiar with it, here's the chorus:
"Ah me lads, ye shud only seen us gannin',
"We pass'd the foaks upon the road just as they wor stannin';
"Thor wes lots o' lads an' lasses there, all wi' smiling faces,
"Gawn alang the Scotswood Road, to see the Blaydon Races."
1221: It probably won't be heard on the next season of The X Factor - not even in any Tyneside area auditions. Shame that.
1228: But if you would like to hear the song, you could if you attend the next modern annual Blaydon Race.
The 5.9-mile race from Newcastle to Blaydon starts with the singing of 'The Blaydon Races', as the words are used as the basis for the whole race.
1231: The last torchbearer before lunch is Charlotte Proud. She has osteogenesis imperfecta - brittle bones disease - but undertook her coaching and refereeing qualifications to enable her to coach football at grassroots level.
She has developed a new disability football team in conjunction with Northumberland FA to help encourage young people with disabilities to be able to join in and play football.
1235: And that's lunchtime on day 29 of the relay. Due to resume at 13:34, the flame will travel to Prudhoe, Stocksfield and Hexham in the first hour back on the road.
1242: For some, the morning has been more akin to an extreme sport. Katy Atkinson tweets: "Absolutely soaked, freezing and covered in mud but seeing the torch has been fun!"
1258: Among the highlights to come today is Matt Baker, co-host of The One Show and 2010 Strictly Come Dancing runner-up, who will carry the torch on the final leg of the day.
Had another Strictly competitor Russell Grant been a torchbearer he could perhaps have provided the most novel way of travelling with the flame by recreating the moment he was shot from a cannon on the TV dance show.
1305: Clare McKean says on Facebook: "Am sitting here in Western Australia watching the webcam as the torch moves through on its way to my home town of Consett."
The torch is set to reach Consett at about 1600. Don't go away, Clare!
1311: Potential world record holder Laura Johnston goes from hula to limbo, as she tweets: "Hula hooped for 3 hours this morning still no idea if the record was broken!! Seeing the torch was class :) #olympictorch."
While the relay is still at lunch, here's a picture from the very start of the morning when famous local folk musician Kathryn Tickell serenaded the first torchbearer as he prepared to abseil off The Sage. She tweeted: "Fiddler on the roof eat your heart out #piperontheroof"
1332: Lunchtime over and off we go! The first torchbearer is Wendy Williams who in 1998 suffered a stroke at the age of just 34, when her children were 10, eight and four.
Her nomination says Wendy "decided to rebuild her life and was determined not to be beaten by her disability". She has retaken and passed her driving test first time and has raised thousands of pounds for the local football team and the Stroke Association.
1334: The flame passes to Nicola Ross who volunteers her free time planning and running daytime and evening entertainment for the elderly residents of a care home.
Her nomination says that before she started this the residents used to sit in their rooms all evening but now they can choose from exercise and arts classes and they don their glad rags to head to the cinema and gigs.
1341: The next runner Lynn Scott has two reasons to celebrate today, not only is she carrying the torch but it's also her birthday. Very thoughtful of the relay organisers to give her a gigantic candle.
The crowd sings a chorus of Happy Birthday. Nice touch.
Happy birthday from us too, Lynn. We don't know how old you are but as the saying goes, a lady never reveals her age.
1348: We're back on the van now and going to Prudhoe.
1352: Will we see the Prudhoe Badger? It's an image cut into the side of a hill, purely for decorative puroposes. Think Uffington White Horse, replace that mental image with a badger and you're there!
1355: BBC Newcastle's Mark Tulip says the crowds were four-deep in Blaydon: "Just sung Happy Birthday to torch bearer Lynn Scott. Been a few renditions of Blaydon Races too!"
We'll get The Blaydon Races to number one yet. Simon Cowell, watch out.
1403: The relay has arrived in Prudhoe, where local lady Wendy Neal takes the torch.
She was nominated for taking over as director of a local theatre group and revolutionising it. "She has taken people from the verge of having a criminal record, and with time and dedication, has turned their lives around."
1405: Excellent turnout in Prudhoe. The large crowd is urged to "gve three cheers for Wendy". Six 'hips' and three 'hoorays' follow. Nicely done.
1406: Wendy hands over to Peter Smith, another torchbearer on home turf.
Peter, 14, has cerebral palsy and until recently did not play any sport but since discovering the sport of club throwing he has gone on to win silver at the National Junior Athletics Championships.
1409: Peter is being pushed along in his wheelchair by his chaperone Andy. He looks to be really enjoying his stint and is waving to the corwds as he goes.
1411: You wouldn't guess it to look at him now but the next torchbearer Benjamin Bommel, 24, used to struggle with his weight.
He's lost 40kg (6.2st) in two years and now teaches karate and helps out at a sports school, while studying law.
1412: BBC Newcastle's Mark Tulip is travelling with the torch convoy and says "the scenes in Prudhoe are quite extraordinary, union flags are everywhere".
1417: Benjamin reaches the end of his leg of the relay and the flame goes back into the lantern before the convoy sets off for Stocksfield.
1418: And that's your lot from Ian and Christine. Taking you through to the end today are Michael Hirst and Phil Harlow.
1424: Susan Hunter from Ryton was nominated for her "passion for her work on the StreetGames project" which is a sports charity that brings sport to the doorstep of young people in disadvantaged communities across the UK.
1426: Susan passes the flame to Sophie Forster. When she was just five years old, her mother Beverly was diagnosed with breast cancer, for which she was successfully treated. To "say thank you", young Sophie ran her local Race for Life 5k in aid of Cancer Research and the following year she was the fastest child, going on to win it by age seven.
Now 16, Sophie is a talented athlete taking part in many races across the country.
1429: Thanks for following this afternoon's #bbctorchcam action with us. Whether you're planning on heading out to see the Olympic flame in person, or keeping up with the action from the comfort of your home (or office - we won't tell the boss!), drop us a line to let us know what you're up to.
Tweet us at @BBC2012 or visit our Facebook page. We'll publish your messages and photos here if we can.
1432: It's a little damp in the north-east this afternoon - BBC Newcastle's Mark Tulip says one resident in Stocksfield has put a gazebo at the bottom of his drive, which is a sensible move considering the rain.
If you want to check the weather for the relay's next few days, hover over the green dots on the maps to the left of this text box to see the forecast. In summary: Take a brolly.
1438: Apologies for the momentary loss of footage from Stocksfield. #bbctorchcam is battling tech gremlins and will have the broadcast pictures back as soon as we can...
In the meantime, thanks to Sibbers Pink Guy for tweeting in this welcoming pic from the town.
1447: Pictures are back and we're in convoy mode on the A69. Up ahead, Fiona Marley Patterson is in a very noisy Hexham, amid dancing girls and karaoke in the torch entourage, looking, she says, like a "drowned rat" in the rain.
1449: Among the people from local towns and villages who have come to Hexham to see the torch, Fiona has found a family from Shanghai. Now that's dedication to the Olympic flame!
1453: Next to carry the torch is 17-year-old Josie Hart, who helped set up a charity for young people in memory of a close friend who was killed by a falling tree. She is part of the Youth Dance Tynedale group and through them has helped raise more than £3000 for the fund set up in her friend's memory.
1456: Hello to everyone who has been getting in touch via twitter (@BBC2012) - a properly cosmopolitan crowd today.
Dougal Murphy tweets to say: "It's not even 7 in the morning here in Los Angeles and I'm already wide awake and glued to #bbctorchcam."
Good morning, Dougal. Can we borrow some of your Californian sunshine please?
Hi to Pinot Noir and Gin fan Dan as well. Thanks for joining us.
1511: While we're battling the tech gremlins to restore this afternoon's relay footage, a quick word of warning from the boys in blue in Durham.
They tweet: "Going to see the #OlympicTorch? Keep your phones, purses and wallets secure to deter oppportunist thieves."
1518: And we're back! 12-year-old torchbearer Jacob Horan has a spinal condition which means he is using a wheelchair for his stint with the Olympic flame. We're told he is highly respected by all the children and teachers at his school, and takes part in as many physical activities as he can, including trampolining and table tennis.
1521: Jacob stands up - to a big cheer from the crowd - as he passes on the flame to Blaydon Harrier athlete Angela Telford.
She was diagnosed with bladder cancer at the age of 45 in 2009. A keen marathon runner and cyclist, she underwent surgery and just four weeks later ran the Great North Run in under two hours. In 2010, Angela was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a double mastectomy and radiotheraphy - nevertheless she went on, again, to compete in the Great North Run and even the London Marathon.
Angela is also a bereavement counsellor and raises money for the CLIC Sargent children's cancer charity.
1523: And while vuvuzelas might be banned at Euro 2012, it doesn't sound like they're banned in Hexham - blaring noises greet the torch relay as it makes its way through the city's streets!
1525: There's an array of colourful fashion on display in Hexham - mostly in the form of raincoats and brollies. But spirits are still high, as the police escorting the relay high-five local kids.
1527: The flame is popped back into a davey lantern for a short hop up the A695 in convoy to Riding Mill.
1530: The relay's keeping pretty good time today, running just a couple of minutes behind schedule as the convoy makes its way along clear roads past Dilston.
1536: First up with the flame in a bunting-tastic Riding Mill is torchbearer Jamie Penfold, who has raised thousands of pounds for the Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research by undertaking feats such as cycling 850 miles around all 20 Premier League grounds - and just weeks after suffering from viral meningitis.
He recently raised more money by completing the Great North Run and then cycling from Newcastle to London in two days.
1545: Back into convoy mode for the drive to Consett. The torch relay has been greeted by some great crowds today - thousands of people turned out in Hexham, 10-deep on the pavements in places, huddled up stairs, squeezed in between the edges of hedges... A really warm welcome.
1604: After what BBC Newcastle's Mark Tulip describes as a "triumphant procession" through the Tyne Valley, the Olympic flame has just arrived in Consett.
1607: As the relay gets back under way, here's a pic of a very emotional Wendy Neal, leading light of the Dragon Tale Theatre Group, carrying the Torch through Prudhoe town centre.
Thanks to Moira Wooldridge for the photo.
1613: Torchbearer Peter Dent has worked to establish and maintain sports programmes for disabled and underprivileged children in the North East and fundraise for Disability Sport England, while also studying for a degree in sports coaching and playing rugby for his county.
1617: Nigel Cook is a trustee of Willowburn Hospice in Lanchester, Durham. Over the last 10 months, he has run 10 half marathons in 10 different countries to raise money for a new hospice. He set off to places like Morocco with an initial aim of raising £10,000 but has ended up raising £23,000.
1620: Susan Husband is a practice nurse who also helps care for her grandchildren and elderly mother. After a holiday in Mombassa she set up a charity, Books and Bread for Kenya, to provide food, healthcare and school equipment for needy children. She also runs a stall at a local market to raise money for the charity.
1623: The 3G coverage isn't great in Consett but the crowds are AMAZING!
Meanwhile, we've been getting loads of texts in from BBC Newcastle listeners.
Here's a selection:
"my family and I were at monument yesterday watching torch come through and you no what simon it was magic like everyone else has been saying there is a real feelin of pride and emotion when it passes you its so uplifting for the people of northeast bet in pelaw x"
"We seen it ! We seen it. Just in Prudhoe The police were brilliant. Hi 5 & entertained everyone. So glad we went out in the rain to see it. Curtis & Joanne"
"we have just seen the torch at Blaydon. The police were all great & joined in the fun with the crowd. It was good experience to see it all today. Iris"
"i seen the torch yesterday at bebside in the pouring rain with my daughter grandaugter and 2 week old grandson danny waveing our flags it was well worth the soaking"
"Went to South Shields at 8 o'clock - got a chance to meet and have photo taken with Haile Gabrselassi on the Coast Road even got to hold his torch - it was fantastic, and not even that wet! Kate"
Thanks for all your messages! Drop us a tweet (@BBC2012) if you're heading out to see the torch later, or getting ready to party at the evening celebration with indie rock trio Little Comets and the award-winning Deerness Gymnastics Academy.
1630: Torchbearer Katie Ross is a karate black belt and has recently been selected for the England National squad, just five years after starting the sport! At school and her karate club, we're told Katie has coached younger children with great success.
Still struggling to find 3G coverage in Consett, I'm afraid. Bear with us - we'll have pictures back as soon as possible.
1630: We're told Alan Dent is a devoted runner at the age of 55 and has been selected to represent both England and Great Britain several times in Masters events. He also raises money for charity and ran a 36-mile relay leg as part of the Mercy Ships relay and has been a chaperone for Nell McAndrew and James Cracknell in the Great North Run, helping both of them to personal bests.
1635: Mandi Welsh has turned herself into a cancer awareness campaigner after being diagnosed with malignant melanoma in 2009 as a result of using sunbeds.
The surgery to remove the growth has left her with a facial scar, but she now tours schools and colleges to warn young people about the potential dangers of sunbed use, as well as talking to the media about the issue and fundraising for cancer charities.
1637: Just to let you know there'll be coverage of the torch relay on the red button from 1530 tomorrow, Sunday 17 June.
1641: It's a case of going against his instincts for current torchbearer Jeroen Vergouwe, a man who dedicates countless hours to putting fires out as a member of the Fire Brigade and the voluntary brigade!
1644: As the Olympic flame is popped back into a lantern for a short road trip on the A691, thanks for all the messages we've been receiving via our facebook and twitter pages.
Hi to David Patterson who writes: "Shame I won't be able to see the torch when it comes to Stockton on Tees tomorrow but my wife was due to give birth last Tuesday and we don't want to take the risk of anything happening when we're there!"
Here's to a safe delivery, David!
1656: The security team gently warded off an over-enthusiastic young cyclist there, who tried to ride into the path of the flame.
Now the torch is passed to Ian 'Roni' Ronald who has been a Royal Marine since 2001. His life was turned upside down when he was diagnosis with a brain tumour in 2008. The surgery he underwent left him with major nerve damage which meant he had to re-learn everyday activities.
Roni also suffered damage to his eye and other complications as a result of the surgery. Undaunted, he embarked on a new challenge of adaptive rowing and just missed out on selection for the ParalympicsGB squad.
1702: Lovely scenes here as young torch fans are carried on parents' shoulders to see the Olympic flame pass by.
Union Jack flags and hats are on display and the torch is shining bright in the early evening gloom.
1706: Hi to Tim Lane who has tweeted us to say he's frantically trying to finish off some work before heading out to see the flame.
Let us know (@BBC2012) where you're following the #bbctorchcam action from and we'll post your messages and photos here.
1709: Our reporters on the ground tell us so many people have come out to see the torch that they've almost met on the roads between villages. Mark Tulip, travelling with the relay convoy, says: "the sheer numbers lining the route have almost joined some communities together."
1714: And here's a flavour of how big the crowds have been, with torchbearer Carol Ann Clarke waving and smiling to supporters packing the streets.
Thanks to David Hands for sending in the pic from Shotley Bridge.
1717: Up ahead in Durham, Ingrid Hagemann, presenting a special outside broadcast for BBC Newcastle, says hundreds and hundreds of people are already flooding down into The Racecourse. Which, for those of you that don't know, is a cricket ground. Natch.
1721: It's lovely to read the diverse places that the #bbctorchcam footage is reaching.
Sharon Mckee tweets: "My husband is loving watching the Live Feed on an Oil Rig near the Artic Circle!"
Peter Benson tweets:"I'm at home watching torch on the computer today, will see it for real tomorrow in Bishop Auckland."
And David Riley says he's at : "durham market place. (Am at work)."
We feel for you David!
1725: Amid crowded scenes in Tow Low, Jessica Hardy passes the flame to torchbearer Aidan Kirkwood, who was injured while serving in Afghanistan in 2009 and given just five minutes to live.
Once he had recovered, he was informed by doctors that he would struggle to perform endurance sports. Since then he has completed the Great North Run and walked the entire length of Hadrian's Wall to raise money for charity. And he's looking great with the Olympic torch!
1728: England cricketer and local lad Paul Collingwood who's following the action from Durham - where he'll be carying the torch tomorrow - tells the BBC it's been great to see everyone turn up, since he thought he might just have "one man and his dog watching me carry the torch".
Colly has a hand fracture so he'll have to be careful carrying the torch, he says.
Referring to his cricketing history he adds: "I've dropped a few in the past but I don't really want to be dropping the torch." Self-deprecation from one of England's best fielders!
1731: And the crowds they are a-growing. Matthew Barraclough - BBC Newcastle's managing editor, who is moonlighting on a reporter shift on the torch route in County Durham today - says he would "eat his hat" if there's anyone left indoors there today.
1733: Ross Landon passed the torch to Paula Johnson, who is using a crutch because of her scoliosis.
Ross made quick work with the torch, not surprisingly because he is a talented triathlete who qualified to represent Great Britain at the Triathlon World Championships in 2010 and the European Triathlon Championships last year. He has even designed and built his own triathlon bike at college!
In addition, we're told Ross is a keen musician and leads a school anti-bullying group that has been recognised nationally.
1742: As the Olympic flame heads in convoy for Esh, the chairman of Durham County Council, Linda Marshall, tells the BBC she is pleased the city was chosen as an evening celebration venue.
"It's fantastic, all these people here tonight," she says. "Look at that backdrop - the castle and the cathedral."
When she was first told the Olympic flame would be staying in the city overnight she says she thought: "Do I stay awake and guard it all night? Do I fan the flame?"
What would you do if the torch was entrusted to you overnight? Imagine the pressure!
1750: Blimey - it is bucketing it down in Esh, where Rachel Burgess takes up the flame from Lydia Janzen, a nurse who also finds the time to be a community volunteer, look after her 91-year-old mother and serve as a board volunteer for a national charity. She also raises money for charity by undertaking sponsored walks and runs and absailing off tall buildings.
1756: Back into convoy mdoe for one of the shortest road-trips of the relay so far to Langley Park...
1801: Running now in Langley Park is 17-year-old Jordan Parker, a volunteer for St John's Ambulance who has quickly risen through the ranks while helping to set up his local group and training other youngsters in first aid.
In addition to this, we're told he is an enthusiastic member of his local junior railway club and a sports ambassador at his school.
1804: The security team are having slightly more trouble this evening from over-enthusiastic supporters trying to get as close as possible to the torchbearer in order to get the best vantage point for a snap. They're responding with a combination of friendly high-fives and gentle shoves back into the crowd!
1808: As the flame is transferred into a lantern for the final convoy stint of the day into Durham, hi to Tommy Stafford who's been in tourch from Rhode Island: "I know it's been raining a lot but there is still some fantastic shots from the torch cam," he tweets.
Cheers Tommy. Fingers crossed for better weather tomorrow!
Thanks again for all your messages today, and for your company as we follow the Olympic flame through the north-east. Next stop, Durham!
1815: The flame is back in the hands of the torchbearers as David Hunt gets going along the wet streets, but there's still plenty of hardy souls out to support him. "Keep it going lad!" shouts one voice from the crowd!
1817: David reaches the end of his stint with the flame and passes it on to the next torchbearer of the day, Ken Allday who is an ambassador and fundraiser for St Cuthberts Hospice in North Durham. Ken's wife was looked after by the hospice and since her death we're told he has thrown himself into helping them with public speaking and fundraising initiatives, and plans to climb Sydney Harbour Bridge to raise money - all this at the age of 80!
1822: The umbrellas and hoods may be up, but the enthusiasm of the crowds shows no signs of abating. It's three or four deep as Ken passes the flame onto Dennis Laycock - aka Tennis Dennis. Dennis is taking a more unusual mode of transport, riding in the sidecar of a vintage motorcycle, with the driver wearing the full emsemble of goggles and raincoat!
And about that nickname... Dennis is passionate about getting people involved in tennis, bringing more than 80 junior players into his beloved Lanchester Lawn Tennis Club. Speaking about his nomination, Dennis said: "It was a complete surprise! I am thrilled and honoured to be a small part of sporting history."
1825: After three or four minutes of riding in the sidecar, Dennis Laycock gets the chance to stretch his legs as it pulls over to allow him to jog the final part of his spell in the limelight.
1827: After a decent run with the torch Dennis finally hands over to Charles Bevis, the next torchbearer of the day. Torchcam picks up some enthusiastic young fellas in the crowd with one carrying something that looks suspiciously like a water pistol... The way the windscreenwipers are going in the support vehicles suggests that there is probably no need for that in the North East today!
1830: There's a lot of people still waiting for the chance to see One Show presenter Matt Baker with the torch later on. Catherine tweets: "We've been standing waiting in Durham for 2.5 hours in the rain for Matt Baker, & the #Olympictorch, but mostly for Matt Baker ;)"
1835: If you're following torchcam you may have noticed a bit of a delay just now... we're not quite sure what happened there, but will endeavour to find out. The good news is that everything is back up and running (literally) with Matthew Burdess jogging along with the flame now.
1839: Richard Elliott is the next man to get his hands on the Olympic torch in the packed streets of Durham. Richard is an ambassador for the Wooden Spoon Charity and has raised funds by doing a number of challenges including the Four Peaks and Great Lakeland Challenge.
1842: From BBC News reporter Francesca Williams: "The torch is coming up Silver Street in Durham - which is cobbled in parts. Watch your step!" She's not wrong, it looks pretty slippery underfoot!
1844: As the torch makes it way through the narrow - and, as just mentioned, cobbled - streets of Durham, the vehicles take a slight detour before getting reunited with the flame on a street corner where Richard Elliott passes it on to Mica Mcneill
1848: BBC Newcastle's Ingrid Hagemann, at The Racecourse in Durham City, has spotted Matt Baker, hiding underneath a large umbrella.
1849: The cameras have focused their sights on Matt Baker, who is is very much underneath a large umbrella. A large, black, official 2012 Olympic torch relay umbrella, no less.
1851: The last 'kiss' of the relay day sees Matt Baker take the Olympic flame and set off for the final part of the torch's journey today.
1852: And with that, the torchcam pictures drop out, presumably under pressure from all the people taking photos of Matt with the torch and then trying to share them. Bear with us while we try to get the pictures back.
1854: BBC Newcastle presenter Ingrid Hageman said: "The crowds are running towards the runway. Yes the heavens have opened but Durham has come alive."
She says Matt Baker has let a youngster take a quick photo - and touch the torch - en route to the cauldron.
1855: PC Taff Edwards has just run with the torch. He's been running about 30 miles, in chunks throughout the day, every fourth day. He says he's "never experienced anything like this in my life. I can't describe it."
Oh, by the way, he's not mentioning that he's just got an MBE!
1858: So with Matt Baker en route to the cauldron and the torchcam pictures showing no sign of springing back to life, that seems like a good time to call it a day with our live coverage of day 29 of the torch relay. Thanks for being with us today and for all your contributions - and don't forget that we can do it all again on Sunday when the relay gets under way from Durham at just after 08:30 BST.
1902: Oh, go on then... One last update from our reporters on the scene who tell us that there's a beautiful rainbow over Durham now. Now that really is the way to bow out for the day!
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