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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Ipswich
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Colchester
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Hatfield Peverel
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Heybridge
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Maldon
-
Rayleigh
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Southend-on-Sea
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Hadleigh
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Basildon
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Grays
-
Herongate
-
Brentwood
-
Chelmsford
- Map colour key
- Start stop
- Finish stop
- Past stop
- Torch location
- Future stop
- Approximate route
- Find out more
Estimated arrival times
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Ipswich
- Mansion House
- front pathway
- main pathway
- front gates
- B1077 Soane St
- A1156 Crown St
- Northgate
- Buttermarket
- Tavern St
- Westgate St
- A1156 St Matthews St
- A1022 Civic Dr
- A1071 Handford Rd
- Portman Rd
- Princes St
- Grafton Way
- A137 Commercial Rd
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Colchester
- A1232 Ipswich Rd
- East St
- East Hill
- High St
- North Hill
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Hatfield Peverel
- B1137 The Street
- B1019 Maldon Rd
- B1019 London Rd
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Heybridge
- Langford Rd
- Holloway Rd
- A414 The Causeway
- Fulbridge
-
Maldon
- Fulbridge
- Market Hill
- High St
- Fambridge Rd
- The Plume School
- Fambridge Rd
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Rayleigh
- A129 London Rd
- A129 Castle Hill
- A129 High St
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Southend-on-Sea
- A127 Prince Ave
- A127 Victoria Ave
- A13 Queensway
- Chichester Rd
- South Church Rd pavement
- High St
- Pier Hill
- Western Esplanade steps
- Esplanade Walkway
- Pier Hill
- Marine Parade
- Marine Parade forecourt
- Marine Parade
- Western Esplanade
- Chalkwell Ave
- A13 London Rd
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Hadleigh
- A13 London Rd
- A13 High Street
- A13 High St
- Chapel Ln
- Hadleigh Farm Venue Lane
- pathway
- MTB course
- Bicycle
- MTB course
- pathway
- Hadleigh Farm venue lane
- Chapel Ln
- A13 High St
- A129 Rayleigh Rd
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Basildon
- A1235 Cranes Farm Rd
- Basildon Sporting village
- Basildon Sporting village car park
- A1235 Cranes Farm Rd
- A176 Upper Mayne
- A176 Roundacre
- Southernhay
- Clayhill Rd
- Ashdon Way
- A176 Nether Mayne
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Grays
- A1013 Lodge Ln
- A1013 Southend Rd
- A1013 Palmers Ave
- A1013 Orsett Rd
- A126 London Rd
- A1012 Hogg Lane
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Herongate
- A128 Brentwood Rd
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Brentwood
- A128 Ingrave Rd
- A1023 Shenfield Rd
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Chelmsford
- Hyland House lane
Evening Celebration
Hylands Park, Chelmsford
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
0616: Good morning and welcome to day 49 of the Olympic Torch relay. The flame will be travelling from Ipswich to Chelmsford today and your writers this morning are Jenny Minard and Michael Hirst.
It looks like a wet start to the day as the torch relay vehicles get into position, which is apt because Olympic swimmer Mark Foster will be carrying the flame in Southend-on-sea.
Other highlights of the day include relay stints from Franklyn Keith Musto, a British sailor who won silver in the Flying Dutchman class at the 1964 Olympics in Tokyo and Tim Mears, the father of British diver Chris Mears.
Here you can find out more about what's happening for the rest of the day.
Wow, Kelly Jackson is up early on Twitter. She says: "Up bright and early to go and see Olympic torch. It's absolutely chucking it down but that just means I'll get wet."
That was at 6am. Dedication.
A big shout out to Mark Peter Reed from Brentwood who says: "Oroud to be welcoming the torch relay this afternoon."
0633: The torch is currently having its photograph taken at Christchurch Mansion House and the relay is set to get underway in ten minutes at 06:43 BST.
0634: Student Neal Goldsmith is outside Christchurch Mansion, in Ipswich. He said: "Lots of people out, in expectant mood. Only a light drizzle."
The weather certainly seems to be clearing up.
0636: Don't forget you can contact us on Facebook or Twitter - @bbc2012.
0638: Oooh look at that. You can just see a torchbearer holding the flame on the balcony at Christchurch Mansion House.
0641: BBC Radio Suffolk's Terry Baxter says the weather does not seem to have put people off. "There's cagoules aplenty", he says.
0642: Here it comes. The first torchbearer today at Christchurch Mansion House is Emily Rogers, 18. She is a promising young athlete, a committed member of the West Suffolk Athletics Club and is number one in Suffolk in her age group at 100m, 200m and long jump.
0644: Keen sailor Kevin Curtis broke his back when he was 17 and now uses a wheelchair. He won gold at the wold disabled sailing championships in Barcelona and in 1996 he won gold in the Paralympic sailing in Atlanta.
0645: BBC Essex's Nick Alliker, who is following the torch from Suffolk to Essex, seems impressed by the turn-out in Ipswich, saying: "Streets lined by thousands of people, even at this early hour.
"It's in Ipswich for less than an hour today, but boy the locals are going to enjoy this."
And they are as they follow Kevin during his stint.
0648: Good morning to Kevin and Brian who have joined us on Facebook. Kevin says: "I'm looking forward to seeing Southend, Basildon and Grays today. I was born and bread in Thurrock but now live in Norfolk."
0649: Next up is basketballer Amy Linton who coached St Edmunds Bury Team at the Suffolk Youth Games for two years and she has been assistant coach for the under-15 Girls Suffolk Team for two years.
0658: School children are lining the streets and waving with flags.
"They are making a right old din," says BBC Essex's Nick Alliker.
0701: For many years Stephen Magnall was a member of the Bury Abbey Rotary Club (and vice-chairperson from 2008-09). He raised over £6,000 for local charities by running the London marathon in 2006 and completing the Three Peaks Challenge within 24 hours in June 2009.
He passes the flame onto Zoe McBeth.
0703: Teacher Zoe McBeth has started the Walk the Walk charity event in aid of breast cancer, after two of her best friends were diagnosed. Her mission is one year, one girl, 1,000 miles.... she is certainly get through this 300m quickly.
0704: Next up is Christine Flood who has dedicated 35 years of her teaching career to emotionally and socially disadvantaged children, including teenagers in trouble with the law and children on the autistic spectrum. At 40 she took up marathon running and ended up in the Elite Women's category at the London Marathon.
0707: BBC Essex's Nick Alliker says the torch is set for a "big welcome" in Essex - where it will go to before lunch time.
Celebrations include a performance from a 2,000-strong orchestra in his home-town Southend.
0708: The flame is now being put into a lantern and is "going in convoy" - this means being transported via vehicle to the next destination. Which for now is Colchester.
0709: How time flies... it's seven years to the day since London was awarded the Olympic Games.
Can you remember what you were doing on 6 July 2005? Tweet @bbc2012 or Facebook us.
Olympic swimmer Mark Foster is up early for his stint with the torch in Southend. He tweets: "I'm off to the meeting point for the torch relay. It's going to be a great day."
BBC Essex reporter Ben Bland tweets this picture in Colchester, outside the Town Hall. Looks like they are getting ready for the imminant arrival.
0719: Colchester is less than 30 miles from Stanstead Airport - that flame is getting closer to London and closer to the opening of the Games. Who's excited? Tweet us @bbc2012 or comment on Facebook.
0721: Excitement certainly seems to be building in Essex.
One mum in Colchester, says: "We came here from Brightlingsea and we got on the road at 6am to beat the traffic."
BBC Essex's Thomas Magill says people are "rushing to get their places" along the torch route.
0723: Morning to Annette Youngman on Facebook who says: "Hope the turn out's good in Southend. Off to see my niece Sue carry the torch and represent all Scouts and Guide leaders."
0726: Look at that rain - doesn't bode well for the rest of the day, but as we've seen on this relay, it doesn't stop people wanting to catch that "moment to shine".
0728: Apparently crowds are "four deep" in Ipswich Road, Colchester.
"People are really happy and in high spirits here", says BBC Essex's Thomas Magill, in Colchester Town Centre.
0729: Umbrellas at the ready as the relay arrives in Colchester.
0730: First up is Daniel Spillman who volunteers at Epping Primary School teaching children tennis and athletics in his free time. Apparently he never stops talking about the Olympics. Recently he flew out to India to help children and teach sports as part of the International Inspirations scheme for the Olympics.
0736: With the flame now is Michelle Strydom is a qualified swimming instructor and in South Africa, she was the regional Vice-chairperson for South African Schools Waterpolo.
0736: Hello to torchcam fan Melonie Pickering who says on Facebook. Morning folks. Looks a bit damp out there."
0738: You can barely see Michelle for the crowds, flags and umbrellas.
They say that marriage is all about compromise and this couple seem to be following that rule... F1 Ritchie tweets: "My wife is standing in Colchester with the kids in the rain - I opted to stay in bed and watch the torch cam with a coffee!"
0742: This is Franklyn Keith Musto, a British sailor who won silver in the Flying Dutchman class at the 1964 Olympics in Tokyo.
0748: Sports fan Tracy McGill gets the flame and shouts "Come on" to the crowds. a lady runs beside her with a Union flag drapped on her.
0750: Look at those crowds. You can barely see the road.
0751: Emma Scott's nomination says: "She is my sister and has helped me and my children through a lot of hard times regardless of what's going on in her life."
She does an arm fling with Tracy as she takes the flame.
0752: BBC Essex's Alison Hodgkins-Brown jokes that the torch seems at home in Essex. She says: "Torch is now an Essex Girl - it has to be a girl with all that bling (winky face).
Not that we're stereotyping or anything.
0753: Torch fan Natalie tells BBC Essex she is already "waiting in anticipation" in Maldon - where the flame is due at 09:12 BST.
"We're absolutely thrilled," she says. "The children have been given the morning off school to watch it."
0754: Next up is Abigail Whitefield has been involved in volleyball in Suffolk since an early age. She has continued to help with officiating games ever since, eventually acting as a line judge and first-scorer at National League and Cup level from 2008 to 2010.
0756: The flame is on its way to Colchester Town Hall where the BBC's Ben Bland says, "Members of the ancient Colchester Watch are standing guard outside."
0757: Grahame Bowles waves as he takes the flame. He was a PE teacher for 40 years and has been involved in a local Sports Council for 41 years.
0800: Up now is Jolyon Alexander who was diagnosed with a very rare kind of cancer that doctors told him was terminal in 2000. Thanks to a new trial chemotherapy treatment and open chest surgery to remove the tumour, Joe has been all clear for 10 years. To celebrate his 10 year anniversary of good health he rallied nine friends and they cycled from London to Paris raising over £13,000 for charity.
0803: Many people have dusted off their Queen's Diamond Jubilee Union flags, with many featuring the monarch's face, says BBC Essex's Thomas Magill.
In other news, the volume of the choir performing on the steps of the Colchester war memorial is "stepping up a gear" as the torch closes in.
Get Well Soon to Sebastian The Crab who tweets: "Why do I have to be in hospital today of all days? Want to see the torch."
0811: Massive cheers for Cheryl Stepton as she takes the torch.
0814: Charitable George Walklett has worked voluntarily at the local RSPCA in his college summer holidays and will continue this on his spare days whilst at college and he has raised money for Help the Heroes.
We're loving the drum beats getting the crowds going.
0816: Here is Andrew Green who joined Great Baddow High School in 1973 and has been Deputy Head since 1997. His nomination says: "If Andy was a stick of rock he would have 'Baddow' through and through."
0820: Hello to Glynis Smy on Facebook who says: "Who was the little boy that carried the torch down Ipswich Road? He appears not to have been mentioned in the commentary list.
It could be Joseph Farquharson, Glynis, but we can't mention all 8,000 torchbearers, we just pick a selection.
0820: The flame is now being taken on the torch bus to the next destination of Hatfield Peverel.
Apparently Peverel refers to William Peverel, the Norman knight granted lands in the area by William the Conqueror after the Norman invasion of 1066.
You can get involved in our live text page by tweeting us @bbc2012 or commenting on Facebook.
Chris Simmonds : "The Olympic torch goes through my area today! Makes me even more excited for 21 days time. Might need a boat to see it though."
Nicola Butler says: "I'll be lucky if I make it out of my PJs to see the torch in Brentwood this evening. Addicted to torchcam!"
0834: It seems people are going to extreme measures to become torchbearers. Find out who one pensioner has made a plea to, in order to carry the torch.
0835: But while we're in Essex and waiting for the flame to arrive in Hatfield Peverel, check out some images from a town that was MISSED off the torch relay route.
0844: Lots of message of luck on social media sites.
On Facebook Linda Johansen says: "Good luck to Amber Ferguson carrying the torch in Heybridge and Maddie Baker carrying the torch at Hadleigh. You make your skating buddies VERY proud!"
We shall look forward to seeing their stints later.
Glenn 'Spesh' Mead says: "Just like to say Good Luck to John Wilson, my old drum teacher, It doesnt say on his biography what a great musician he is, as well as doing all of his archery."
Ahhh how lovely.
0845: The flame has hit Hatfield Peverel where it looks like the whole village is out in force.
BBC Essex's Ian Puckey says: "What Hatfield Peverel lacks in size, it makes up for in spirit", he says. "It's such a good atmosphere here."
0846: First up, this should be easy for Helen Davies who is a distance runner who trains 100 miles a week in all weathers. She gave up her job to concentrate on her running career, representing England internationally.
0849: John Wilson has worked in archery for over 50 years, beginning with his SABAC group for junior boys in the Salvation Army and then joined Rayleigh Town Archery Club.
He's also had a Good Luck message from a student (in the 0844 BST entry). He's a drum teacher too apparently, he kept that quiet.
0853: John is playing to the crowd more like a front man than a drummer, egging them on and cupping his ear to encourage more noise. Take a bow, John!
0855: And a big kiss for the next runner Helen Jewell who's completing a more conservative - and, to be fair, faster - relay leg!
Helen has been involved in netball coaching for 10 years. She runs a club and has eight match squads entered in the Chelmsford Junior league.
0857: A quick huddle from the guys in grey - AKA the Torch Security Team - as the Olympic flame is transferred into a davey lantern for another quick relay stint.
This time it's being driven along the B1019 to Heybridge, where we're expecting to arrive in seven minutes. Approximately.
0902: While we're in convoy, here's a question for you: What were you doing on 6 July 2005, when team GB won the Olympics - just hours before the dreadful scenes of 7/7?
Can that really have been seven years ago?!
For our part, one of the BBC 2012 team was on work experience at the Manchester Evening News, one was covering the Olympics story on the BBC sports website news desk, and one - we won't say who - was sunning himself in Menorca...
What were you up to? Tweet your answers to @BBC2012.
0907: First up in Heybridge is Amber Ferguson, an ice skater who represents Great Britain internationally.
Amber says: "I dream that if everyone could meet people worldwide through their passion then understanding and respect for others would increase."
She has also had a shout out from Linda Johansen on facebook. Hi Linda!
0912: Wow - thanks for all the messages telling us where you were when the Olympic announcement was made seven years ago. What a spread!
Mark tweets he was sat waiting to give blood at Wareham, Dorset and heard the news on the radio.
Iain MacLeod was about to go see REM when it was announced we had won the Olympics.
Yuri Koorland tweets that he's a trader (although he emphasises not Barclays LIBOR!), and was sitting at his desk watching the announcement and seeing stock prices move on the news.
Chris Simmonds tweets: "I was 14, taking part in a school D&T competition, and we all stopped for lunch to listen to the announcement. Cue big cheer!"
0917: LondonTents tweets: "Cheering in Marks and Spencer when they announced it over the tannoy."
Mark tweets: "@BBC2012 I was sat waiting to give blood at Wareham, Dorset. Heard it on the radio."
Matt Baker tweets: "Was in a car with American and French colleagues in Nice. Cheered quietly when news came on radio.
Clarabelle tweets: "The celebrations in Trafalgar Square. Heather Small singing #Proud. And feeling really excited about #London2012!"
Chris Lines says: "It was seven years ago.I was on holiday in Portugal & watched the announcement on BBC World. Our loud cheering confused the locals!"
Meanwhile #bbctorchcam's own Katie Townsend says she was at university, graduating. The youngster!
Let's keep the journey down memory lane going! Where were you when GB won the Games? Tweet us @BBC2012
0919: Meanwhile, back on the torchbearing front in Heybridge, it's Bond, Chloe Bond.
Chloe has taken part in charity projects in South America and Asia, each time helping the local communities to improve their way of life.
She has been a keen member of Girl Guiding UK for nine years now and the Scout Association for four years both as participant and now a leader.
0921: BBC Essex's Liana Bridges, among the crowds waiting for the flame to pass through Maldon, can barely contain her excitement, saying: "The anticipation is tickling down the spine of Maldon."
Or is that raindrops - pull your hood up, Liana!
Another man tells BBC Essex: "Maldon has come together this morning - to see everyone's faces is so special."
0923: Running up Market Hill now is Georgia "Scarlett" Stock - a member of the local Youth Council for the Epping Forest District.
Her nomination says: "Her patience and caring is outstanding and she is extremely supportive towards her peers and fellow youth councillors."
0927: BBC Essex's Sonia Watson tweets: "Wow Market Hill is steep #bbctorchrelay #maldon."
We got breathless just watching that section.
0933: OK everyone - the relay team are having a rest. Think we all deserve a breather after the exertions of Market Hill!
Take a blow, maybe pop on the kettle or whack some bacon in the frying pan for an energy-boosting sarnie, and we'll be back on the road from the Plume School in about quarter of an hour.
0940: As we wait to get back on the road, thanks again for all your tweets and messages about where you were when Britain won the Olympics seven years ago today...
Our reporter providing colour from Essex, Mark Bulstrode, was on an early shift at the Evening Star newspaper in Ipswich, and was in the office when it was announced.
What was the Ipswich angle on the Games announcement - did it make the front page?!
And where were you? @BBC2012
0948: Some of you were really close to the action seven years ago today...
Steve Whitlam tweets he was "attending a meeting in Whitehall which was interrupted with a large cheer from Trafalgar Square".
Kevin Jackson, one of our torch relay newsgathering supremos, tweets: "I was in the newsroom watching live feeds from London, Paris, New York and Madrid - reaction in Trafalgar Square was amazing!"
Meanwhile, Steven George says: "I was on a bus with a radio but lost the signal as the news was made known when signal came back they were going nuts on 5 live."
Ah, the memories. What have you done today to make you feel proud? It's never too late to try...
0951: What you might have done today to make you feel proud is... put on a pair of galoshes. It's TIPPING it down in Essex. And in lots of other places too, for that matter - a month's rainfall in a day. Again. It must be about November by now...
0952: Unperturbed by the rain is torchbearer Rachel Aston, 19, who has been volunteering since the age of five.
She says: "I love knowing I am making a difference to other people."
1002: CONVOY! We're hoping to get away from the rain during the drive down the B1018 to Rayleigh. Fat chance...
1006: It might be a bit damp but that doesn't seem to have put many people off, judging by the turn-out along the relay route in Essex so far.
As BBC Essex reporter Mark Syred has pointed out: "You wouldn't normally see this amount of people in Heybridge on a wet Friday."
But this isn't any normal Friday, Mark: It's a once-in-a-lifetime-moment-to-shine!
1010: Regardless of the weather, there's a bright outlook in Essex, on the cliche-front at least. Presenter Dave Monk tells BBC Essex listeners: "It might be raining but this is our moment in the sun."
Hello there to Adam who is watching from afar... The Far East to be precise. He tweets: "Watching from Hong Kong and hoping to catch a glimpse of my Mum and Dad as the torch passes through Rayleigh."
And Gareth Randall is watching from Dubai. He tweets: "Hopefully I'll see my folks near the Paul Pry pub on Crown Hill in Rayleigh."
1029: We're back in torchbearing mode and the crowds have turned out in their droves in Rayleigh. Great scenes!
1031: We're running a few minutes behind schedule - but it's not for lack of trying on the part of the torch relay team.
BBC Essex's Nick Alliker, on one of the trucks heading for Rayleigh before the current torchbearing session, said: "The driver, or Nigel Mansell, as we call him, is doing a great job between the locations!"
1033: Charlotte Skeggs' nomination says she enjoys life to the full and all that know her smile in her presence.
She is a sports ambassador at school and dreams of competing the in long jump at future Olympics.
1037: Aren't these crowds something?
Taking her moment to shine - in the rain - is Charley Jennings who says running has changed her life.
She had anorexia when she was younger and found it hard to move on. But she had a goal to run the London Marathon and she had to get well for it. She did it and ran it in 2002 raising more than £1,000 for Eating Disorders Association.
1038: That was another steep climb for the torchbearers as they negotiated Crown Hill in Rayleigh.
"They're huffing and puffing," says BBC Essex's Tim Gillett. "It's one of the steepest hills in Essex."
1041: Coming up now is a group of nine runners. They include Maisie Jones, Mitchell Bennett and Daniel Cowley.
They set off at a steady pace, barely fitting in the narrow roads where crowds of people are spilling out to greet them.
1042: The flame is not far from Southend now, where BBC Essex's Jack Warren is waiting.
He tweets: "Just drove down Victoria Avenue - about 1,000 people lining the road with flags waving them. Felt like a torchbearer."
1049: Torchbearer Tony Collins was born with learning disabilities and when he was 14, he joined Havering Mayesbrook Athletic Club training with a middle distance group. His talent led to him to being selected to run for the Great Britain team for athletes with Learning Disabilities.
1051: Jing Lin is from China and went through the Great Sichuan Earthquake in 2008, when she was studying in her third year of Sichuan University. However she successfully graduated with two degrees by 2009 and after that studied in University of Glasgow and achieved two master degrees.
She now runs and waves as she carries the flame.
It's a bit fuzzy, but you get the idea... This is BBC sport's James Pearce when he found out, seven years ago today that London had won the 2012 Games bid.
He tweets: "I was in Singapore. A photographer in BBC studio captured winning moment."
Where were you when you found out? Tweet us @bbc2012
1054: The flame is now being popped into the lantern to be taken to Southend-on-Sea.
It has seven miles of seafront and during the torch visit 2,000 local schoolchildren and members of local Southend choirs, who will sing a song called "Anthem" specially commissioned for the occasion.
1104: There's a frenzy of excitement among torch fans in Southend.
One man tells BBC Essex: "Where else in the world would you want to be right now? You'd want to be in Southend."
1105: This traffic jam isn't going to help us get back on schedule! Come on people, we've got an Olympic torch to relay!
1106: Here we go in Southend, where keen musician Olivia Stannard has the flame. She has cystic fibrosis and has endured many months in hospital and a total of two years out of education. She recently completed 11 GCSCs, four A*, six A and one B grade.
1109: BBC Essex reporter Nick Alliker is bursting with pride. "It's my home town and a great privilege to be witnessing this on BBC Essex," he says.
1112: Laura Brooks is passionate about football and coaches a women's community team. She cycled across India to raise money for the Alex Roberts-Miller Foundation which helps provide sporting opportunities for disadvantaged kids.
1113: All day we've been talking about the fact that London was awarded the Games on this day, seven years ago. Where were you? How did you feel?
Patrick Hook-Willers tweets: "I was being told off in my primary school lunch hall when my teacher came running in screaming, 'YES, WE WON'."
Nats says: "I was in Trafalgar Square and it was just amazing! The atmosphere was electric! Can't believe it!"
1114: Rebecca Gravell high-fives Laura as she gets her moment to shine, beside the seaside. Not much chance of an ice-cream today by the looks of the weather.
1116: People are hanging out of the windows and waving flags as they welcome the flame.
1118: Now with the flame is Rebecca Ling who is club captain of Trihn and District swimming club and has qualified as a community sports leader and volunteers at Brownies.
1123: BBC Essex's Peter Holmes, in front of the Civic Centre, in Southend, is enjoying the sight of "smiling and waving" police officers.
1128: Ming Dong has a lower body disability from a training accident when she was nine years old. She has participated in The Shanghai World Expo, Guangzhou Asian Games and Shenzhen Universiade as a volunteer.
1135: We seem to have lost the pictures but will try to bring them to you as soon as possible.
1138: Natasha Reynolds now has the flame. She has been a member of Rochford District Youth Council for over five years and chairperson for three years. She also sits on other committees including Essex Youth Scrutiny Committee for two years and Young Essex Assembly for four years.
1139: At this moment the torch relay vehicle team have split off from the torchbearers as they run along the seafront.
Five-time Olympian Mark Foster, will be carrying the flame by the seaside, where he began his swimming career. He was born in Essex and won the world championship six times and is the short course 50m freestyle world record holder.
1144: "He's got it," proclaims BBC Essex's Chris Penhall as Mark Foster takes hold of the flame. "I think everybody has forgotten it's raining. It's very exciting."
1146: After that little tour of Southend, the torch team will be having their lunch now at the Marine Parade.
So why not follow their lead, grab a sandwich and pop the kettle on while we wait for the pictures to return.
1150: During lunch why not find out all about the Torch Security Team which have been running alongside the torchbearers and are making quite a name for themselves.
Or you can see a selection of pictures from today's relay.
1211: First picture of Mark Foster, seen here towering over BBC Essex's Christine Penhall after carrying the torch along Southend seafront:
Thanks to those of you who continue to send in your memories of what you were doing seven years ago today - the day London was awarded the Olympics.
BBC location engineer Alan Murdey tells us: "I was with BBC News & Sport on Tour at the SkillCity exhibition at Excel in London."
Antonia says: "I was huddling round Clover's tv on Jupiter in Chertsey."
And Ali Peters comments: "I was so proud & excited standing in Trafalgar Sq. Little did I know I wouldn't be able to get the tickets I wanted tho!"
On our BBC London 2012 Facebook page, Celia Nash reminds us: "On holiday in Cyprus, sadly the day before the London bombings, thoughts are with victims families of 7/7."
1238: If you give your page a quick refresh you should see this afternoon's video ready for you to play.
1241: Our first torchbearer after lunch is Graham English. As he takes the torch in the rain past the end of Southend Pier we see what appears to be a group of children all dressed in white t-shirts.
1244: And now we have 14-year-old Ben Coombes who two years ago received the British Legon Friends of the Forces junior award from Prince Harry for his fundraising efforts for the British armed forces.
1245: Thousands of people on the seafront, reports BBC Essex's Glenn Speller in the media bus, as the torch continues its travels through Southend - we see shots of Ben running with the torch on a big screen.
1247: Fourteen-year-old Nataniel Benee, now with the torch, has been selected for the England cerebral palsy football team. He was born with the condition and severe epilepsy - but has overcome the diagnosis that he would be in a wheelchair.
1252: The flame now passes to Song Qiao, who volunteers after work at an orphanage.
1255: Wonder if our next torchbearer Steve Wynn would rather be at Wimbledon today.
He runs tennis leagues and competitions in Essex while he is also a qualified coach in the sport.
1259: And now we have Suzanne Ball, who spends midweek evenings and weekends working for the Scout movement.
1303: Alice Skeates, watching the torch in Southend, says there were emotional scenes as the torch passed through. "There were people crying around us," she told BBC Essex.
BBC Essex's Glenn Speller adds: "There's something about it. You can't put your finger on it."
1305: Next up is Nick Wright, nominated by his wife for the way he has cared for her after she was diagnosed with advanced cancer.
He also coaches more than 100 children in football every Saturday.
1311: Here we have Mary Hills, who is recovering from cancer.
1314: Next up is James Blenkinsop, 15, who is already using his running talent to compete nationally. He is a county runner and his aim is to raise over £1,000 in a marathon.
1317: Children are sitting on shoulders trying to get a better look.
1319: Look at how bouncy Gemma Flaxman is as she carries the flame. She raises money for charities and especially enjoys dancing.
That must be where she gets her energy from.
1321: Torchbearer Leah Mercer has been interviewed by BBC Budding School Reporters Jessica and Katie from Southend High School for Girls.
She now takes up the flame.
1327: Keen runner Sandra Watts has completed six marathons including three London Marathons, raising money for various charities, so this should be easy for her.
1335: Now with the flame is Police officer Alan Bowen who has worked with Essex Police as both a Special Constable and regular officer for almost 19 years now and "has always put 110% into his work".
He says: "I hope that I can help people to feel safe and happy in their local community."
1343: Dena Al-Nakeeb nomination says: "She works very hard to make a difference in peoples lives." She has donated bone marrow four times and mentors a youth group where she organised activities - DJ, radio, gang culture and drug workshops.
1348: Steven Cantle has completed three marathons (two London and one New York) for charities which include the Variety Club and Mencap. He has cycled from John O'Groats to Land's End with the Wooden Spoon charity, where they raised around £90,000 by covering 887 miles in eight days.
1353: Dedication's what you need! There may be puddles on the road but the crowd are as enthusiastic as ever - including in their number a giant dog costume, a double-Union Jack-waving lady and a man with a pram!
1354: Lindsay Fox's nominations says: "She is an Essex girl to be proud of, not the usual stereotype." She spent six months in a children's home in Malaysia volunteering and has worked with young offenders.
1355: BBC Essex's Glenn Speller says the rain is holding off in Hadleigh - good news indeed!
1356: Jonathan Pearce is a committed conservationist who raises money for various wildlife organisations. The 56-year-old says: "It's my vision to leave the earth a better place than I found it for people and for wildlife."
Jonathan's waving enthusiastically to the crowd here in Hadleigh.
1400: Taking the flame now is schoolgirl Maddie Baker who is hoping to compete in the Olympics one day. The 12-year-old was nominated by her school after winning a competition to design a London 2012 poster.
1406: A high clasp of hands as Tessa Corbett passes the flame to Hong You, who is from China.
1409: A hug from Hong You as she passes the flame to Paul Mears . He is the father of British diver Chris Mears, who in 2009 suffered a serious training accident while competing for Team GB at the Australian Youth Olympic Festival in Sydney.
Mr Mears maintained a bedside vigil, together with his wife Katy. Chris was placed in intensive care and diagnosed with a ruptured spleen. He has made a full recovery and will compete at the 2012 Games in the 3m Springboard and 3m Synchro (with Nick Robinson-Baker).
1410: The flame is now entering Hadleigh Farm, site of the Olympic mountain biking venue.
The 5km circuit is largely man-made and features dramatic drops across imported boulders and tight twisting climbs. Unusually, it cuts across open ground with few wooded sections to obscure spectator views.
1411: The flame is due to be carried on a mountain bike here, bear with us as we try to bring you pictures.
1419: Meanwhile Ray Clark of BBC Essex said he wouldn't take his new bike onto the Olympic mountain bike course at Hadleigh as he doesn't want to get it dirty! Blue skies and fluffy clouds overhead (at last).
1422: One torchbearer braving the bumps of Hadleigh Farm is mountain biker and commentator Dan Jarvis say BBC Essex.
Alison Hodgkins-Brown from BBC Essex tweets: Mountain biker Dan Jarvis has just ridden around the #Hadleigh course one handed
1435: Dan Jarvis told the BBC back in 2010 when he got a first look at the site of the Hadleigh Farm course:
"We've got enough variations here in gradient, in surface, in topography to give us a challenging course."
He added: "It's something of a misconception that you have to have mountains for mountain biking.
"If you actually look around the world, most of the best mountain bike courses don't go anywhere near a mountain top."
1441: Today is seven years since London won the bid for the 2012 Olympic Games. We've been asking for your memories of the day.
Alistair Anderson writes on our Facebook page:
"We wandered down from work to Trafalgar square for the announcement just to soak up the atmosphere, and its easy to forget everyone was expecting it to go to Paris - it was a genuine surprise we got it and a full on mass celebration as everyone realised such a huge global event would actually be coming here."
Let us know on Facebook or @BBC2012 on Twitter where you were and what you were doing that day.
1445: Sports students from James Hornsby High School have just enjoyed a moment with the torch. "It was amazing holding the flame," said Jemma. "With our sports college status we have some really promised future athletes here at the moment," added a teacher.
Talking about his bike ride with the torch, Dan Jarvis told BBC Essex: "It was sheer terror keeping a grip on the torch. I was told there would be a clamp… clearly somebody told them I was a much better rider than I am," he laughed. "It was fantastic".
1447: Apologies for the continued lack of pictures from Hadleigh Farm - although we hope you are enjoying the blue skies and fluffy clouds.
Kim Axford is also due to take the torch on the mountain bike course. She is a 43-year-old fitness instructor from Canvey Island who, according to her daughter who nominated her, is "purely amazing!"
1451: On the move again now, just leaving Hadleigh Country Park where a small crowd has gathered at the gates.
1453: Earlier Olympic swimmer Mark Foster carried the flame in Southend, he told the BBC it was "amazing".
1455: Here's fitness instructor Kim Axford who we mentioned a little earlier. She's certainly keeping up a good pace as she runs with the flame before performing a wiggle - is that an aerobics move? - with the next torchbearer John Hoskyn.
1457: John Hoskyn has raised more than £50,000 for a variety of charities by running 500 races including 17 London Marathons, the Athens Marathon and the Morocco 100k. Only 300m for him today though, like all the other torchbearers.
1458: Although we have sunshine now, the weather was not as good earlier - as you can see in this picture by Ros Cohen of the torch being carried by Steve Wynn in dull conditions in Westcliff:
1459: A big cheer and a sound system as John goes by. And did we spy some home made torches?
1500: Next up with the flame is Alex Richardson who has raised more than £7,000 for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. The London hospital helped his daughter during her battle with a rare genetic childhood cancer.
1502: Big cheers as teenage judo star Hayley Willis sets off with the torch. She rose to prominence in 2011 as she took bronze medals at the European Cade Championships, European Youth Olympic Festival and Junior World Championships.
Now aged 16, Hayley won Senior British Closed gold this year and is aiming for the Rio 2016 Olympics.
1505: A big reception for our next torchbearer. Oscar Ledesma Gaitan came over to England from Colombia to train with the Red Cross. His aim is to become involved in their disaster management of crises across the world.
1510: BBC Essex say more than 15,000 people are expected in Hylands Park, Chelmsford, later for tonight's cauldron lighting. Park bathed in sunshine, full of tents and wigwams and rehearsals are underway for the celebrations. Listen live tonight on BBC Essex
1511: This is Erwan Puel handing over to Fiona Palmer from Sawbridgeworth who helps teach primary age children to swim. She also teaches fitness at the local gym and loves horse riding.
1515: A big hug from one fitness teacher to another as Fiona passes the flame to Sacha Sewell.
She helps people aged four to 90 in her role as gym instructor and head athletics coach at Chelmsford Sport & Athletic Centre. The 37-year-old coaches disability athletics every week and teaches Otago - an exercise programme designed to improve balance - in sheltered accommodation.
1517: Still more of you with memories of what you were doing on 6 July, 2005 - the day that London won the right to host this summer's Olympic Games.
Patricia Toohie recalls on our BBC London 2012 Facebook page: "I was working in a dull and boring accounts job seven years ago, and knew that it would be announced who would stage the Olympics. I took my radio to work (kept it hidden of course). As the announcement was imminent I turned the radio up full blast!!.....I heard the words 'and the Games are awarded to.......LONDON!!!!'...I tell you I jumped around that office like Tigger on speed!!! ..and now its almost here !!"
Meanwhile a frustrated Colin Archer tweets: "Seven years ago I watched the decision dreaming of taking my 3&2 year old son and daughter to 2012 Sadly no tickets like so many."
1519: Ahh a confetti shower greets Bharat Thakrar as he takes up the flame. He spent almost the whole of his teenage years as a Harlow youth councillor after being elected by his peers - with achievements including setting up a youth cafe in the town and supporting the campaign for a skate park.
Now 22, he is the resident assistant at his university, helping new students adjust to college life.
1520: A kick of the heels from Bharat as he hands the flame to Shaowen Huang who is visiting from Beijing.
The 45-year-old was so moved by the 2010 earthquake in Yushu he launched the Yushu earthquake disaster fund, which has since donated millions of yuan towards the reconstruction of the area.
1526: After a long and varied stint in Hadleigh, the torch is put back in its lantern and we're off to Basildon which hopefully is equally as sunny.
Earlier crowds braved heavy showers - is it really July?? - to watch the relay pass.
One of the highlights was in Southend where a 2,000 strong choir of schoolchildren sang a specially composed anthem Let Your Light Shine.
1532: Dave Monk at BBC Essex says excitement is building at the Basildon Sporting Village with children and their families getting into position on the athletics track in readiness for the torch's arrival.
1540: The flame is back out of its lantern and sits atop the torch of 16-year-old Millie Downes.
Millie said in her nomination: "My best friend was diagnosed with liver disease from a young age and I help to raise money for the Children's Liver Disease Foundation. I would like to raise awareness of this charity because at this present time it is not very well known and is not getting the amount of support that it deserves.
"My ultimate goal is to run every London Marathon that I can, and run a marathon in every European country to raise awareness there as well, so a cure can be found for liver disease."
1543: The convoy spilts and Millie heads off to Basildon sporting Village, where the flame will be carried on to the athletics track there - unfortunately #bbctorchcam cannot follow her.
1600: Standing at the Basildon Sporting Village torchbearer Millie Downes said: "It feels fantastic, I can't describe it. It's such an honour to carry the torch."
She added the scorching around the torch after her run made it "more sentimental. I'm going to take it home where I've got a stand for it on the mantelpiece for everyone to see".
1603: While we're waiting for the flame to re-emerge I can tell you that over at Wimbledon Andy Murray has just started his semi-final against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.
The winner of that match will meet Roger Federer, who beat Novak Djokovic earlier today.
1611: Teenager Holly Worthington emerges from Basildon Sporting Village with the flame. She does voluntary work helping people with disabilities. The 19-year-old is a keen fund-raiser whose previous feats have included cycling from John O`Groats to Land's End
1613: Schoolboy George Jeffery wants to "inspire and encourage other young people to give back to the local community".
The 14-year-old says: "Communities need volunteers, especially young people as they are the lifeblood for the future. When my friends see me handing out flyers at the local carnival or helping in the Community Centre they ask me what I am doing and I always explain how important it is to be involved."
1616: George passes the flame to Wes Reilly who is a marathon runner from Leinster, Ireland, who has raised thousands of pounds for a number of different charities.
Plenty of people jogging alongside Wes here, but being a marathon runner he'll be used to that.
1618: Next up in the Essex sunshine is Jonathan Metcalf who broke his back in an accident five years ago.
As part of his rehabilitation, the 52-year-old took up running and has since won three over-50 British titles. He trains with youngsters at Thurrock Harriers who are inspired by his dedication and success and see him as a role model.
1622: Anna Harvey is described as "a very good role model and leader to her peers" by teachers at Hassenbrook Academy in Stanford-Le-Hope. The 12-year-old is a talented netball player who strives to achieve her full potential across the curriculum.
"Go on girl," shouts someone in the crowd as she runs along. "Go on sweetheart," calls a woman.
People are perched on high walls and crowded onto the pavement here.
1625: Here's Dawn Barnard who formed and played for Chelmsford City Ladies and Girls Football Club. The 48-year-old mother-of-three was also instrumental in helping to set up and run the Essex County Girls Football League and the Essex County Women's Football League, where she still holds the position of secretary.
Lots of whistles and cheers for Dawn - we suspect some of her team-mates and trainees are in the crowd.
1627: At last we have a picture from the Olympic mountain biking course at Hadleigh Farm earlier where Dan Jarvis took the flame from Paul Mears
1628: Hussain Manawer has crammed a lot into his 21 years. From 15 to 18 he was involved in anti-knife and gun campaigns, at 17 he went to Botswana to help build a village and he has since raised £6,000 for charity by climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.
He raises the torch high into the sky as someone - we can't see if they are male or female because of the crowd - holds aloft a placard with "That's my brother" on it.
Hussain sprints off with the flame and the Torch Security Team officers - who can run up to 20 miles a day - have to burst into action to keep up.
1630: Hussain is loving his stint with the flame, running at speed and high fiving members of the crowd.
1635: Some confusion at this point as it looks as though torchbearer 112 may have been missed out!
She is Hannah Agyeman-Prempeh and was due to take the flame from Hussain. The next torchbearer waiting here is 113 Patricia Sharpe.
Hussain and Patricia are waving to the crowd while the relay team sort out the apparent mix up.
1642: Looks like a decision has been made and Tricia Sharpe begins her run with the torch, starting with a little dance with Hussain.
She has been a community leader in Brentwood for over 30 years, supporting young people - including those with disabilities - to enjoy and thrive in the sport of trampolining.
Some high spirits here in Basildon as youngsters run across in front of the relay.
We'll let you know if we find out what happened to Hannah who seems to have missed her stint.
1645: Wow look at all those England flags waving as the flame goes by in the hands of Heng Yang Zhou. The 42-year-old student from Beijing who has a passion for helping others and has helped build several children's libraries.
1650: Heng Yang Zhou is the last torchbearer in Basildon and the convoy heads off to Grays.
1651: Glen Speller of BBC Essex reports it's likely missed runner 112 Hannah Agyeman-Prempah may now run her leg of the torch relay tomorrow.
Getting into the relay spirit, albeit on a miniature scale, Ian Mason tweets this picture of "an office kiss" between two tiny torches
1702: Stuart Smith for BBC Essex in Grays is preparing to run the route of the torch as it travels through the town. He says: "The torch is just a few minutes away now, the town centre is packed and crowds are two or three deep. I can see a dog looking out of a window also looking forward to see the torch go by."
We love dogs on torchcam as you probably know by now - here's hoping we catch a glimpse of said Fido in Grays!
1705: Here we are in Grays where Peter Mwaura is the first to carry the flame. He is a 12-year-old schoolboy whose mother was killed in a road accident within days of moving to Westcliff.
Peter is still coming to terms with his loss but has embraced his new school, making excellent progress with his studies and cementing his place in the football team.
Plenty of flag waving supporters in the crowd here and a brass band strike up as Peter runs by.
1708: A fist bump and a complicated handshake between Peter and the next torchbearer Donghai Liu who is a huge charity contributor in his native China.
The 45-year-old has personally funded a primary school for children with financial difficulties in China's Szechuan province, together with a new road for his hometown Wusheng County.
He has also adopted a policy throughout his company which gives employment priority to those who are unemployed or have learning difficulties.
1712: Looks like the 3G coverage in Grays is having trouble coping. The next torchbearer after Donghai is due to be David Bland .
He was inspired to run after watching the Olympic marathon in 1948 and spent 50 years with Hornchurch Harriers in a variety of roles, including coach.
In 2002 the 73-year-old was diagnosed with leukaemia, an illness which has since returned, but continues to dedicate his life to supporting athletes and the local community. The person who nominated him said: "Like the Olympic torch, he is a shining light to us all."
1714: We got the pictures back just in time to see David pass the flame to Lauren Beard. She is a keen sportswoman who mentors younger children at her school. The 16-year-old said: "My ultimate dream is to play for England ladies football team or reach the top level in another sport by winning an Olympic Gold Medal!"
1718: Big chants of Lauren Lauren from the crowd as she approaches the next torchbearer, Kirk Cross.
They know how to relax in Grays, apparently, Glenn Speller of BBC Essex reports that people are out in deckchairs to watch the torch go by.
1721: Some drumming now as Helen Doyle runs past with the torch. She has spent the past two years caring for her daughter and helping her through various mental health issues. She also contributes to the annual Romanian orphanage Christmas shoe boxes by making clothes.
1725: Grays is looking hugely busy now as Evanna Morrissey from Nenagh in Ireland runs past with the flame. She has a good speed as well she should being an athletics coach.
1727: A thumbs up from John Wyndham from Brentwood as he sets off with the torch. He founded a young people's marching band in 1990 with just five members which was officially adopted by the Royal British Legion in 1993.
Since founding the group, John has been the inspiration and mentor for hundreds of young people, many of whom were facing personal difficulties. He was awarded an MBE for services to the band in 2001.
John looks like he's got rhythm in his soul, he's jigging along with the torch.
1730: The flame goes back into its lantern and the convoy heads off for Herongate.
While it's on the way, have a look at the pictures of the day, including the visit to the Olympic mountain biking course at Hadleigh Farm.
1734: BBC Essex reporters are out and about ahead of the convoy.
Ollie Winiberg reports that in Herongate the bells of St Nicholas' church are ringing out, with bunting fluttering in the breeze and thousands of people line the street awaiting for the torch to arrive.
Futher along the route, Mark Syred from BBC Essex says it's a fantastic site in Brentwood with crowds lining the fences outside the cathedral with around 30 minutes to go before the torch comes into town.
He reports that people have got the barbecues out and the smell in the air is making people feel hungry.
1743: And there's more from our man in Essex as the BBC's Ollie Winiberg adds: "Everybody is queuing to get as close to the kerb as possible, we are all waiting for the arrival of the torch in Herongate.
"The whole street is having a party thanks to a man playing music from his garden. There's loads of bunting, it's very patriotic."
If there's one thing that can be said about the good folk of Essex, they sure know how to have a good time.
1753: The first torchbearer in Herongate is Bingbing Li, a Chinese actress and singer.
She passes the flame to Sue Nutt, who is 69-years-old and partially sighted, is described by the person who nominated her as "an inspiration to me because of her sheer unselfishness and dedication to helping people".
The friend added: "Without her, I would not be here today. When I was most in need, she comforted me, despite the fact that her husband was critically ill at the time. She is my closest friend, encourager, and fellow traveller."
1758: We're told that about 10,000 people turned out to watch the relay in Grays and it looks like there could be a similar number in Herongate. It is packed!
Running with the flame now is Ingrid Brandon, 56, who says it is her "mission is to find a way where local heroes and community champions are branded differently!".
1759: Glenn Seller of BBC Essex is with the torch convoy. He says: "I never knew this many people lived in Herongate.
"The crowd are now six deep on either side of Brentwood Road. People have deck chairs out in their front garden. With this many in Herongate I can't begin to imagine the crowds when we get to Brentwood and on to Chelmsford."
1801: Peijun Zheng takes up the baton. Can't tell you much about him I'm afraid as we don't have any information but he looks to be enjoying himself as he salutes the spectators, one of whom is waving around a giant Union Jack umbrella.
1805: The last runner in Herongate was James Reilly. He has voluntarily run his local youth club in Barking for more than 15 years and is described as "something of a local hero to the children".
1809: After a short drive the relay is now in Brentwood. And running with the torch is Paul Salmon, a keen swimmer who uses his passion to raise money for numerous good causes.
The 39-year-old father-of-three is currently training to swim the Channel in September.
1811: The flame passes to Matt Bolingbroke, a teenager who had extremely low self esteem and was at the risk of social exclusion as he found it difficult to cope with the pressures of being in care.
But the 17-year-old turned his life around to such an extent that he is now a peer mentor for others, has successfully completed his GCSEs and is starting an apprenticeship as an electrician.
1813: Louise Jones picks up the torch from Matt. The 18-year-old runs her own blog called 'Teen: Dreaming' and was named as Channel 4's young blogger of the year in 2010 for her piece on how the mass media coverage of the terror attacks and the wars that followed 9/11 have affected her generation.
1817: "I've just had a policeman stop on a roundabout and encourage the crowd to cheer! The weekend has landed in Brentwood with crowds six or seven deep in support of the torch reply. I can see enough Union Jacks to wallpaper Buckingham Palace," says Mark Syred of BBC Essex.
We've temporarily lost 3G coverage of the torch relay. Apologies - hope to be up and running again soon.
1820: Hurray, we're back again. Leah Carter collected the torch from Louise. Leah is a 'young leader' who coaches children in a range of sporting activities and gives up her free time to volunteer at an adventure centre which helps less able groups take part in activities they wouldn't normally have the opportunity to do.
The 16-year-old is also a budding Olympian and says: "I play hockey to a regional level and hope to progress this to one day play for Great Britain in future Olympics. My passion for sport is shown through the variety of sports I play, the training I commit to and the help I provide for others."
1824: Hongfeng Chen took over from Leah and has now given way to Mark Clifford.
Mark climbed Kilimanjaro for Macmillan in 2011 and raised over £11,000. Future fundraising projects for the 40-year-old include a cycle ride from John O'Groats to Land's End and a climb to Mount Everest Base Camp.
1828: Matt Smith has been a volunteer swimming teacher at his local Hornchurch swimming club for seven years. The 22-year-old says: "The most rewarding part is certainly teaching new skills to younger pupils. When they, for the first time, understand and perform an action I have taught them, it fills me with joy."
1829: Here's Les Snellin who is 75-years-old and an active member of the Theydon Bois tennis club, despite battling cancer which has seen him undergo chemotherapy.
His granddaughters run alongside with a colourful "Go Grampy" banner
1833: The flame goes back into the lantern for the last time on today's relay and it's off to Hylands Park, Chelmsford.
More news about what happened to Hannah Agyeman-Prempeh who missed out on her stint with the flame in Basildon, through no fault of her own it seems.
A London 2012 spokesman said: "During the excitement of Torchbearer 111's slot, he sprinted past Torchbearer 112. We have offered Torchbearer 112 a place to carry the flame on tomorrow's relay. We will also take care of her and her family's transport to ensure she still gets her moment to shine."
Hannah, who's 24, has motivated dozens of youngsters to lose weight at a children's fit club. She also helps out with the Christmas Club for local pensioners and last year set up a knitting group to make winter hats and scarves for homeless people.
1838: Tune in to BBC Radio Essex right now for an appropriate tune - they're playing Simply Red's A New Flame.
1846: The convoy of torch relay vehicles is arriving at Hylands Park, Chelmsford, where BBC Essex say excitement is building.
1848: Cheers from the crowd and a big smile from Ken Edwards as he sets off with the flame. He has played volleyball for 30 years up to national league level, forming clubs in both Witham and Chelmsford juniors and qualifying as a level two coach.
Some of the greatest work the 61-year-old has accomplished has been in the field of disability sport, particularly sitting volleyball. Ken was instrumental in establishing a sitting volleyball centre in Essex, which is the not only the regional centre for the East, but also the base of operations for the Essex Pirates team.
Breaking news away from the torch relay - Andy Murray is through to his first Wimbledon final.
1850: From volleyball to handball now, Holly Lam-Moores is a member of the GB Women's Handball squad.
She takes the flame in front of Hylands House and sprints off smartly along the lane towards the evening celebration in Hylands Park.
1852: Unfortunately we've lost the picture here due to the 3G coverage but John Bowman is the last torchbearer.
He carries the flame on behalf of wife Kirste, who was due to run with the torch but who died in February after a long illness.
Kirste was a passionate runner who raised thousands for charity despite being diagnosed with breast cancer which spread to her lungs and neck.
John said: "She never asked 'why me?'. She always said why not me? She was determined to raise awareness of breast cancer and the need for people to be vigilant."
1856: The cauldron has been lit by John, in bright evening sunshine.
1909: That's all from the torch relay from today but do join us again tomorrow on day 50 when the Olympic flame travels 145 miles from Chelmsford to Cambridge, taking in another London 2012 venue, the Lee Valley White Water Centre, along the way.
Good evening from your live text writers Christine Jeavans and Chris Charles.
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