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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Chelmsford
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Harlow
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Waltham Abbey
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Waltham Cross
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Hertford
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Ware
-
Bishop's Stortford
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Stansted Mountfitchet
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Newport
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Saffron Walden
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Duxford Airfield
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Haverhill
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Bury St Edmunds
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Newmarket
-
Cambridge
- 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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Chelmsford
- Ruskin University
- Hall Ln
- B1008 New St
- High St
- Moulsham St
- Museum forecourt lane
- Moulsham St
- B1007 New London Rd
- A414 London Rd
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Harlow
- A1025 Second Ave
- A1019 Velizy Ave
- East Gate
- pedstrian area
- West Gate
- Haydens Rd
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Waltham Abbey
- B194 Crooked Mile
- A121 Crooked Mile
- Darby Dr
- Sun St
- Church Street
- Highbridge St
- A194 Highbridge St
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Waltham Cross
- A194 Highbridge St
- Lee Valley Games Venue lane
- access path
- Lee Valley Games Venue
- Lee Valley Games Venue, access path
- Lee Valley Games Venue entrance
- A194 Station Rd
- A121 Eleanor Cross Rd
- A1010 Abbey Rd
- High St
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Hertford
- A414 London Rd
- Fore St
- Market St
- Railway St
- South St
- Fore St
- A119 Ware Rd
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Ware
- A119 Hertford Rd
- A1170 Amwell End
- A1170 Viaduct Rd
- A1170 High St
- B1004 Watton Rd
- B1004 Westmill Rd
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Bishop's Stortford
- A1250 Hadham Rd
- A1250 Link Rd
- A1250 Hockerill St
- B1383 Stansted Rd
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Stansted Mountfitchet
- B1383 Pines Hill
- B1383 Bentfield Rd
- B1383 Cambridge Rd
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Newport
- B1383 London Rd
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Saffron Walden
- B1052 Newport Rd
- B1052 London Rd
- B184 High Street
- B184 Bridge Street
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Duxford Airfield
- Duxford Airfield
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Haverhill
- Burton End
- Camps Rd
- Market Hill
- High Street
- Harriet Rd
- Mount Rd
- A1017 Ehringshausen Way
- A1017 Lord's Croft Lane
- A143 The Pightle
- A143 Wratting Rd
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Bury St Edmunds
- A143 Horringer Rd
- A143 Out Westgate
- A143 Out Westgate St
- Westgate St
- Greene King Westgate brewery site
- Westgate St
- Crown St
- Angel Hill
- Mustow St
- Northgate St
- A1101 Northgate St
- A1101 Fornham Rd
- Tollgate Ln
- Beetons Way
- Bury St Edmunds Leisure Centre
- Athletics track
- Bury St Edmunds Leisure Centre
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Newmarket
- A142 Fordham Rd
- A1304 High Street
- A1304 Barbara Stradbroke Ave
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Cambridge
- A1303 Newmarket Rd
- A1134 Barnwell Rd
- A1303 Newmarket Rd
- A1134 Barnwell Rd
- A1134 Brooks Rd
- Brookfields
- Mill Rd
- Parkers Piece pathway
- Parkers Piece approach pathway
- Celebration stage steps
Evening Celebration
Parker's Piece, Cambridge
Torch Relay News
Watch/Listen
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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 50 of the torch relay.
Today the flame travels from Chelmsford to Cambridge - and visits the Olympic canoe slalom venue along the way.
0651: Your writers this morning are Mike Hirst and Claire Heald. And we should be under way in a moment or two.
0658: First up in Chelmsford is Moesha Howard, 15, - she is set and ready to go.
While a 300m relay shouldn't be a problem for her, this isn't her distance...
She is ranked 2nd in the UK for her age group in the 75m hurdles and 3rd in the UK for the 60m hurdles, both indoor and outdoor. She is also ranked 6th for the 200m indoors and 7th for the 60 metres indoors and outdoors. She won gold at the 2011 England Championships for 75m hurdles in a new personal best of 11.0sec
She is also a Chelmsford Sports Ambassador, a role which involves promoting the benefits of sport to other young people. She regularly trains at Chelmsford Sports and Athletics Club.
0659: Another dry start for the torch. And lots of people out in Chelmsford this Saturday morning, forgoing their lie-in.
0701: Up the street without a paddle is Mark Proctor, 22, a member of the Team GB's canoe slalom team.
He says: "I began canoeing at the age of 12 and have never looked back. Medalling at junior and then breaking into the senior circuit in 2008."
Negotiating the streets of Essex might not be as exciting as working his way through whitewater rapids but Mark's still looking thrilled to be holding the Olympic flame.
0702: We've split from the convoy for a few moments - the torchcam bus cannot follow the bearer everywhere, only on the roads - no precincts, rivers, narrow lanes etc.
0705: And Mark has gone off into the centre of town to the High Street.
Later, the torch will visit the canoe slalom Olympics venue - the Lee Valley White Water Centre. It has two separate courses: a 300 metre Olympic-standard competition course with a 5.5m descent, and a 160m intermediate/training course with a 1.6m descent.
The torch is due there at about a quarter to nine this morning.
0710: Today's first torchbearer, 15-year-old hurdler Moesha Howard, told BBC Essex as the flame was being lit she "wasn't expecting so many people" and "all the nerves have started to kick in now".
The cathedral's bells were ringing as the torch relay began, Chelmsford was made a city just a few months ago.
The Mayor, Cllr Christopher Kingsley, said the torch relay, "tops off a splendid year for the city. It's deeply moving so many people should turn out for the occasion".
0711: Back with the torch now, and getting big cheers, is local lady Sylvia Sergeant, 65, who has been involved with Chelmsford Athletic Club for 30 years, coaching young athletes and judging at field events.
As a team manager, she spends most weekends at club matches and has brought several youngsters to county and national level, often travelling to support them.
Town crier is out for her. And all that running seems to pay off - she is leaping about, waving continuously and loving her moment.
0714: This is Clare Lauwerys, 41, from Peldon, a mother, businesswoman, web-designer and charity volunteer who was diagnosed with the rare, terminal lung condition, LAM, in 1996.
She had a succesfful translplant in 2008 and, at every stage of her disease, despite deteriorating health, Clare has contributed significantly to the work of the patient support and research charity, LAM Action, chairing it for two years and running its newsletter.
0717: "Oh hear it comes," and "Get ready to wave," shouted out from the crowd there.
0721: If you are after your Saturday morning bacon sarnie, Chelmsford centre might not be the best place right now.
BBC Essex's Dave Monk said thousands of people watched the torch head down Chelmsford high street despite the early start - and the bacon butty queues are very long.
0722: Like thousands of people up and down the country this morning, the torch has just nipped off for a park run, in Chelmsford Park. No buses welcome here. We'll catch up with the torch in a bit.
0723: Here's Paul Draper, back from the park and handing duties over to Martin Rice, 54, who has had three brain tumours at Addenbrookes and, despite an operation for his first brain tumour leaving him dyslexic and with communication problems, he has written 80,000 words of a book about his experience.
0732: Back in the bus and the flame is off to Harlow now.
0736: The torch relay has come to a halt. There has been a collision on the road just in front of the relay vehicles.
Two motorbikes, not part of the relay convoy, have collided.
0744: The torch is stopped on the road between Chelmsford and Harlow and emergency vehicles are in attendance.
We can see that the accident has blocked the road, and cars are turning around behind the bus to travel via another route.
0748: Our cameras are off for a couple of minutes, while the convoy passes the scene of the accident.
0750: BBC Essex's Ben Fryer on the torch media vehicle said a couple of people involved in the accident are being given treatment on the side of the A414 and an ambulance is in attendance.
0752: It looks like the torch is being delayed by about 15 minutes, having stopped in the road, on its journey to Harlow. It was due to arrive there just before 08:00 BST, but is still on the A414.
0759: But the torch relay is onward bound, with about a 20 minute delay. Due next in Harlow.
0814: Alongside the nominated Britons carrying the torch today, a few famous names are in the torch relay mix.
The country's best-known chef, Jamie Oliver carries the torch in Newport, where the torch is due to arrive at lunchtime. Convenient.
And 400m runner Iwan Thomas is taking the last leg of the day, in Cambridge.
0821: First to carry the torch here in Harlow is Jack Booth, 16, who's adept with both the badminton raquet and the table-tennis bat.
Jack was born with a rare kidney disorder and spent the first six months of his life in Great Ormond Street Hospital.
He started competing in the British Transplant Games in 2005 and every year he came home with medals in swimming, athletics and badminton.
At the World Transplant Games in Australia in 2009 he won the gold medal in badminton and has since won three gold medals in Badminton singles, doubles and table tennis at the WTG in Stockholm!
0822: If you are planning to watch the relay on the streets this morning, it is running about 20 minutes late now, but may make this time up in its scheduled morning tea stop, or lunchbreak.
0827: The next torchbearer here, Neil Humber, told BBC Essex he was excited, if a little surprised, at how heavy the torch was.
"It will be a moment I will remember forever," said Neil, who has been a community responder for the East of England Ambulance service for the past two years.
0828: Power to the pedestrian. Essex seems to have a planning thing for areas where torchcam cannot go. We are split from the convoy again for a few minutes here, going round to meet the runner at the end of whatever obstacle to driving it may be.
Johnny K has tweeted: "Woke up late, so instead of going to see the Olympic torch pass through Harlow, I'm gonna watch the live feed on the BBC's website".
Morning Johnny.
0832: A drama teacher here - can we tell by the hop, skips and jumps, stage left and stage right?
Jeanne Stacey very happy to be carrying the torch on a sunny Essex morning.
She's blowing kisses to the crowd and drawing huge cheers.
0838: Off to Waltham Abbey now.
Up ahead on the route, Gregory Kiteos has tweeted: "In Waltham Cross waiting for the #OlympicTorch to come through. So proud, been looking forward to this moment for ages @Olympics #London2012"
0850: So in honour of Jamie Oliver carrying the torch later today - at lunchtime, see what they did there? - we're wondering what your favourite recipe is, from the founder of training restaurants "fifteen", prolific book writer, TV chef and cooking coach to the masses.
Here at torchcam towers, it's the fish pie.
Remember you can be in touch with us, using the text and twitter details below, or on our facebook page. On any matters torch-related.
0852: First up in Waltham Abbey is Qiangdong Liu, the founder, president and CEO of China's biggest online retailer, 360buy.
The business has grown by 200% for the past 6 years winning Liu accolades such as "top ten people that influence China management practices", "most influential e-business frontrunner", "most approved business leader selected by customers" and "new economic people for the next decade".
Qiangdong Liu has said: "Doing business is the same as being a man, the point of which is to be a good man". You can't argue with that.
0855: This is Steve Basing, 24, who has spent four summers working at a special needs camp in the USA and has also built a house in Kenya.
0900: A familiar sporting face here - Suki Brownsdon swam for Team GB in four Olympic Games, the first of which - Moscow 1980 - when she was only 14 years old.
Since retiring, Suki has continued to work for the development of the Olympic movement in Great Britain, delivering coaching, mentoring and performance workshops nationwide.
0903: Out with the runners today are the trusty members of the torch security team.
You can read our man Mike Hirst's piece on the 'TST' here.
As we peer into our screen, we can see it's Bromley's Sergeant Alex Baldwin, lighting the torchbearers' fires today - well, turning on the torches' gas cannisters with a key.
You can find out all about the men and women who protect the torch, on their facebook page.
0905: Bacon butties breaking news. An update from earlier, when we remarked that they were just the tonic for an early Saturday morning start.
One vendor in Chelmsford has told BBC Essex he sold 500 bacon butties this morning for the hungry Olympic torch crowd.
How to make the perfect one though? Ketchup, or brown sauce?
0906: A shot here from our own Paul Harris who has joined 2,500 people to see the torch come down the Lee Valley course...
0908: This is the second bite of the cherry for runner 22, Hannah Agyeman-Prempeh.
She was meant to run yesterday afternoon in Basildon but the torchbearer who was due to be handing the flame to her was overcome by excitement and ended up sprinting straight past.
London 2012 arranged a new slot for her here and said they would take care of her and her family's transport costs "to ensure she still gets her moment to shine". And the sun is shining - All's well that ends well.
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.
0909: As parts of the BBC are in the middle of moving to the new Broadcasting House, in the centre of London, the torchcam live text team here are enjoying our last few weeks in the historic Television Centre, Shepherd's Bush.
Keeping with the food theme, "enjoying" currently includes the fry up from the BBC cafe.
0911: The torch is going into Lee Valley white water centre right now, the canoe slalom venue.
0912: Now this will be a test of the flame's durability! Here, British junior team canoeist Zachary Franklin, 20, is going to paddle the Olympic flame down the rapids.
The BBC's Paul Harris says: "As we wait We've got members of GBs canoe slalom team showing us how to negotiate the course."
0917: We can't follow the torch into the slalom course on the torchcam bus. So we will join back up with it after the event, and once the torch team has taken its morning tea break here.
0918: The BBC's Paul Harris, at the centre, says: "The torchbearer and his crew of security guards emerge from behind a grandstand and on cue, the sun bursts through a cloud. The crowd whoops."
0921: Sadly the torchcam horsebox can't join Zachary on the rapids, but here's a video of him in action on the course last year.
It's fair to say he's a fan, declaring Lee Valley the "best course in the world".
He said the centre had transformed his training capabilities: The Windsor local previously had to travel to Nottingham for training.
The Lee Valley centre was the first London 2012 venue to open to the public last year.
0931: On our facebook page, Andrea McCulloch says: "Good luck to Andy McGowan, carrying the Torch in Newmarket later, from me and all the MyLearning tutors. Top bloke."
Our torchbearer information tells us that Andy is a young carer, who looks after his two disabled parents, and hopes to go to study law.
0932: Out on the course, here's the British men's rafting team in action during Zachary's flame-rapid extravaganza...
0936: While we wait for the torch, back on today's hot topic of food to accompany the torch relay, on our facebook page Susan Stewart Definitely tells us it has to be "Definitely brown sauce with the bacon butties unless you are in the USA when it has to be ketchup, no brown sauce here. :(
"Have to import mine specially. Watching from Las Vegas, where it is 1:00am but have to watch as it goes through Cheshunt, where my mum & brother live. :)"
0936: The BBC's Paul Harris, inside the spectator area, tells us: "A roar from the grandstand greets the GB men's rafting team and their precious cargo - the Olympic flame.
"It's a choppy journey, but the flame is kept well away from the water.
"As the boat nears the bottom of the course, the torchbearer stands and thrusts the torch into the air."
0940: And we are off, into Waltham Cross now.
As a parting shot, here is the BBC's Paul Harris' picture of the torch riding the rapids.
0941: Walkies! In the clearing between the crowds now stands Julie Boxer, 41, who has been volunteering for Guide Dogs since 2007.
She provides a bed-and-breakfast service for dogs who are in their advanced stages of training, helping to prepare them for their future as a guide dog.
0945: After her pep-talk from the torch security team, Bethany Wakefield is off with the torch here.
0948: During a career in sport, Debbie Evans, 57, has worked with sportspeople of all ages, from mini-gymnasts aged just a year old right up to the over 50s, in sports development.
She took up the triathlon only two years ago and has already competed for GB in the World Triathlon Age Championships in Beijing. That's quick work!
0954: Massive Saltire tied to the roadside hedges.
Is that early support for Andy Murray in his first Wimbledon final on Centre Court tomorrow right there?
0955: Still in Waltham Cross here, but back at Lee Valley, Paul Harris tells us there's a rubber duck race now - they're releasing thousands of numbered ducks down the rapids, and if the winner matches the number on a ticket we've all been given, we get Olympic tickets!
Who has the lucky duck, we wonder?
0957: This is Russell Taylor, 34, is described as a role model for hundreds of pupils he teaches at the Robert Clack School in Dagenham.
He has driven the campaign to save the life of former pupil Florio Kazazi, who was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma (an aggressive form of bone cancer) at the age of 16.
In 2010 Florio's consultant told him his treatment has been unsuccessful. Since then Russell has helped raise £50,000 to pay for alternative therapies.
We're told that it is largely thanks to Russell's drive that Florio has been having the treatment and is currently doing well.
0958: And the flame is going back in the miner's lamp, on to the bus. Next stop Hertford.
1014: Hertford, your flame has arrived and is running. Yang Gao running now.
1017: Since being diagnosed with MS, mother-of-four Charlotte Brown has been described as a motivator of those around her who share her disease.
She takes up the torch now. The 60-year-old has taken on several physical challenges, taken part in the tall ships race and travelled the length of the Great Glen Way by tricycle.
Despite dealing with the deterioration of her mobility, Charlotte has continued to train in as a psychoanalyst and is now fully qualified, playing an active role on the local council as a member of the Society of Analytical Psychology.
1021: We are loving the inventive artistry here.
Billericay school's online magazine Speak Up has tweeted this photo of their Olympic rings, out to celebrate the relay.
1023: It looks like Charlotte is determined to walk the last bit of her relay spell, amid packed crowds here in Hertford.
She gets a massive hug and a kiss from the next torchbearer, as a reward.
1026: Julie Smart, here, has a big voice, singing semi-professionally.
Massive crowds out here.
As noted by Jack McCarthy, who, keeping it short and sweet, tweets: "Hertford is packed!!"
1038: Now that pictures are restored, we believe this is Neil Burgess, who loves a challenge - or six!
He took on six events - marathons, triathlons, cycles and swims - in six months to raise money for the children's communication charity, I CAN, to highlight the issues faced by 10% of children in the UK with speech, language and communication needs
1040: With a manly handshake/grip and shake, he passes the flame on to Anthony Kayne, he's waving to the crowds here as he trots along at a fair pace.
1043: We're off to Ware. Where? Ware.
While we're travelling, you could tune in to Radio 5 Live from 1100, when Dave Vitty will be joined by some special guests for the Kids' Guide to the Olympics.
The programme aims to answer all the questions they can think of about the Games.
1049: It IS early on a Saturday morning for torch followers.
Flo Wheatley tweeted: "Wearing PJ's in hertford for the Olympic torch relay, too early for effort to be made on what I wear."
1050: Here's Chloe Halfhide, 34, who has been involved in girlguiding since she was a Brownie, becoming a young leader at 14 and starting a rainbow unit at 21 before becoming a district commissioner for four years for Girlguiding St Albans and being voted Division Commissioner for St Albans.
1053: And she gets a kiss from Avelino Lorente, who is off at the trot.
1055: All the details on the crash that happened just in front of the torch relay in convoy earlier, here.
1056: Running now, Sally Glossop has a dream - "To have a time when we all work together without judgement and value and tolerate differences".
"Sport is a vehicle for inclusion and bringing everyone together regardless of ability to enjoy the fun of the game."
Amen, sister.
1059: Talk about Olympic commitment. The last runner in Ware is octogenarian badminton supremo Bill Goode. At 86, he's been teaching the sport for 50 years.
Badminton England say "Bill has been one of the most influential coaches in the history of English Badminton."
His dedication to the sport was a major factor in the decision to build Hertfordshire University's specialist badminton facilities, which will be used at the Olympics.
Bill coached his son, Andy, who went on to play in the Barcelona Olympics and was manager of the Olympic Team in Atlanta.
Andy subsequently went on to play a major part in coaching his wife Jo to Olympic medal success in Sydney.
1100: Ah well, it had to happen, torch weather has taken a turn for the worse.
Emily Spratt tweeted from an earlier stop on the route: "Just been to Waltham Cross to see the Olympic torch and I got really wet walking home!"
1102: Ware has solved the problem of what to do with oneself once the torch has passed and the excitement subsided.
Hertfordshire Police have said, once the Olympic torch has passed through Ware, the roads will reopen and the town's carnival parade will begin.
Time for a second wind, Ware.
1106: Convoy! And off to Bishop's Stortford. It'll be about a 20-minute journey.
1108: While we're travelling, you could take a look at the pictures of today's relay so far. We'll add to the gallery throughout the day.
1114: The wet weather seems to be spreading. Carol Leach tweets: "Waiting in rain to see torch in Bishops Stortford! Never seen so many police in the town!!!!"
However, it's still beautiful and sunny in Cambridge, our man on the ground can report.
1121: Who's that holding the Olympic torch like a rolling pin?! Pukka!
1125: Here we are outside Bishop's Stortford Rugby Football Club and back into torchbearing mode in glorious sunshine! A fine effort by the convoy team to get back to within 10 minutes of the schedule after the crash earlier (see 0736)...
1130: Had your photo taken by the BBC London 2012 team in Essex today? Try and spot yourself on BBC Essex's Facebook page - where there are also stacks of pictures from today's relay start in Chelmsford. More will be added as the torch heads back into the county later...
Meanwhile, it's an arm-wrestley handshake of a torchbearer kiss as Jian Wang, 49, takes up the flame. He is a volunteer lecturer, educating youths from deprived areas of Nanjing, China.
1132: Keen sportswoman Charlotte Michael, 17, from Hatfield, gives up her lunch and break times at school to coach and umpire extra curricula sporting activities. The teenager also gives up her Saturday mornings to help at her local cancer research shop.
1136: The weather can't make up its mind today. While there's glorious sunshine in Bishop's Stortford, up ahead in Stansted Mountfitchet, BBC Essex's Sonia Watson tweets: "Cambridge Rd is a sea of brollies and union jack bunting and hats! #stanstedmountfitchet #bbctorchrelay."
Meanwhile, Jamie Oliver's been tweeting arty pictures of his torch ahead of his relay leg in Newport.
"Hi guys exciting day as I'll be running with the Olympic Torch today at 12:30 through Ne @ Newport Essex UK"
1140: That was the BOA's Bernard Cotton, and the streets in Bishop's Stortford are rammed!
1142: David Osborne is up next with the torch. The marathon runner teaches Morris Dancing and says he wants to inspire young and old people to lead an active life.
1145: Jean Lance takes a confident stride with the torch. She is nearing her 80th birthday and belongs to a golf, tennis and a gym club. She still finds time to volunteer at the local hospital and play bridge.
1153: More drizzle! If you're heading out to see the torch today be sure to check the latest forecast. If you hover your mouse over the green dots on the map to the left you'll get up-to-date weather info. But on a day like today take a mac just in case!
1159: Olympic hopeful Sam Watts takes up the flame. The 20-year-old athlete is a former English schools 200m champion. Sam is an athlete on the Lloyds TSB Local Heroes programme.
His nomination says he was selected because of his commitment and dedication to his sport of athletics and inspiring his peers through volunteering at local schools.
1202: A little Mexican wave there of Olympics events as Mike Jackson takes up the torch. Nice touch.
He has helped to raise £1.5m to provide sporting facilities and opportunities for children with special needs. For the last 20 years Mike has organised Sports Experience Days where disabled children can take part in 30 different sporting events.
And he's dived into the crowd for a quick kiss - keeping the grey-shorted Torch Security Team on their toes!
1206: Back into Essex. Welcome. Again. Juts time to tell you we're on one of our quicker convoys up the B1383 to Stansted Mountfichet....
1210: And here we are! Back into torchbearing mode with businessman Jianming Li.
As he tries to dodge the raindrops, a quick question for you: What are you more excited about, Wimbledon or the Olympics? Tweet us your thoughts and we'll try to publish them here: @BBC2012
Menwhile, watch a combination of the two as Helen Skelton causes a security palaver with her Olympic torch at Wimbledon...
1212: Despite the rain, BBC Essex's Sonia Watson reports there's a carnival atmosphere in Stansted Mountfitchet - even the local postman who just cycled down the Cambridge Road received a HUGE cheer from the crowd.
1215: It's been another big turn-out for the torch relay today. Harlow Council said about 20,000 people lined the streets of the town this morning to see the Olympic flame.
Mark Wilkinson, leader of the council, said: "What a fantastic day for Harlow and I'm sure one that the residents who witnessed it will never forget.
"It was a once in a lifetime event and I'm extremely proud that so many people came out to cheer on the torchbearers and mark this historic day."
1217: Taking the torch here is Caroline Atkins who has been a guide leader for 28 years. The 47-year-old from St Albans has achieved her Queen's Guide, the highest badge in Girl Guiding as well as the 25-year Guide Service ward and 25-year Scout Service award.
1219: Hopefully Kathryn Malyon, from Braintree, will not be showing off any of her martial arts moves. The 45-year-old teaches at Yong Gi Do martial arts club.
She may not be doing martial arts moves but she's definitely egging on the crowd!
1229: Heading in to Newport, as the sign says.
1233: First here, Ashley Dear, 14, from Baldock, who was nominated by his younger brother for being a supportive and helpful older brother.
Ash is also a keen sportsman and represents his school in 100m, hurdles and triple jump. He might need some steeplechase skills here, it is so rainy. Puddles galore.
1234: Paul Barden was off to kiss people there. He's undeterred by the wet weather, but it does give the torch security team a challenge.
1237: And David Pickup, 34, from Norfolk, picks up the torch. He helps to run the local Boxing Tutor Awards.
1238: David is making a good run in the rain here, passing next to chef Jamie Oliver.
1239: Here he comes, with his magic torch, chef Jamie Oliver.
Chosen for inspiring people to enjoy spending more time in the kitchen and to start growing their own food the culinary master has declared it his mission to fight against the global epidemic of obesity.
Appointed an MBE, the Essex boy started out as the Naked Chef and has since inspired many young disadvantaged people to work in the food industry.
He's running here, just down the road from the pub where he started cooking with his dad, in nearby Clavering
1241: "Jamie, Jamie," shouts the crowd. He's making a fine run in pouring rain. Must have had a runner's lunch beforehand?
"It IS Jamie Oliver!" gasps one lady.
1245: And Sgt Baldwin from the torch security team has to prevent Jamie wandering off with the Olympic flame - which is passed on constantly - so it can be put in the bus and head to the next stop, Saffron Waldon.
1248: BBC Essex reporters on the ground in Newport say they were deafened with the screams of giant groups of young girls as Jamie ran past them.
Many are even running alongside to try and keep up!
1251: Bless the poor torchbearers, and the spectators. The rain is jumping back up out of those puddles.
Here in his special see-through torch anorak Dan Thomas, 17, helps to coach junior players at Saffron Walden cricket club and also is a volunteer helper at Saffron Screen community cinema. The teenager from Saffron Walden also captains and plays in a disability cricket team.
1252: Brave Dan! He's dispensed with the mac, and is going just for the torchbearer's uniform, in pouring rain.
It seems Jamie was just the ticket for the people of Newport, stood out in the rain.
BBC reporter Allie Hodgkins-Brown tweeted: "I just ran all the way behind @jamieoliver with my son so we could get a picture - such a long way! #bbctorchrelay #thingsmothersdo"
1302: Saffron Waldon has really turned out, despite the conditions. They're giving a great welcome to Shifu Liu.
1304: This is local sports coach Clare Thompson. She pulls a "lightening bolt" move, in tribute to the sprinter Usain, as she takes up the torch - don't tempt the weather overlords in this weather, Clare
1308: As the torch goes back in the bus, Clare is mobbed for pictures. Obviously all the sportspeople she has trained are out to congratulate her.
1311: The torch is off to Duxford Airfield now, where it will be carried by one torchbearer, and stop for lunch.
1313: RAF Duxford played a key role in the Battle of Britain, and there's an Imperial War Museum at the airfield now.
1317: Essex County Council said initial estimates show about 311,500 people turned out to see the Olympic Torch on Friday - three times higher than original estimates for the county. They think 50,000 people were out in Colchester and 45,000 in Southend.
1322: Here we are at Duxford.
1325: This is Anna Rehfisch, next to take the flame. The 17-year-old, from Pampisford, is an Olympic hopeful in shooting.
Duxford was also in the news this week as Formula 1 test driver Maria de Villota lost her eye after being injured in a crash out on the airfield
1328: Back on the relay route itself, in Saffron Waldon earlier, BBC Essex's Gareth George tweeted this picture and: "Jenny + Richard Huby ran out to see torch moments after getting married #bbctorchrelay"
1330: And as the torch celebrations continue at RAF Duxford, the torchcam convoy is off to lunch.
Now, has anyone seen that Jamie Oliver?
1345: While we're on lunch, a quick word from Jamie, who ran in Newport, just down the road from where it all started, at his Dad's pub, The Cricketers.
Speaking to BBC Essex before he took the torch, he said: "This is my local town really so I've got a feeling I might be seeing a lot of old faces and teachers. I'm actually running past my old school and finishing near the local pub that we used to escape to, so it's sort of ironic really, but nice.
"I'm just gonna ham it up and rinse it for every single step.
"They gave me a bunch of choices and I sort of thought it would be nice to do it back home, being a bit of a local face and also I don't get any grief around here, so it's nice to do something for your local neighbourhood.
"The wife, mother-in-law, mum, dad, all our kids, they'll be along the road at some stage. You're always patriotic about where you come from and Essex always makes me smile, always makes me laugh. I was born near Southend and I grew up in north Essex here in Saffron Waldon and I love it. It's a good county, it's got lots to offer. Essex is still in my heart."
1346: And we wondered, if chef Jamie was left alone with the torch long enough...?
He added: "I really wanted to bring some skewers and some marinated bits of lamb and some marshmallows and thought we could have a little toast up."
Oh dear, not a good day so far for Ben Kendall, who has tweeted: "After being up all night sick, I've just ran half a mile in torrential rain and been tackled by a security guard as I filmed Jamie Oliver..."
1408: Welcome back. The first runner takes up the torch this afternoon - just one runner here we believe, before the torch heads off in convoy.
This is Ashley Dear, who ran earlier with the torch, just holding on to it at the airfield here.
1411: The convoy now is off to Haverhill. It's been raining hard here - lots of spray coming up off the roads from the police outriders.
We are due to arrive in Haverhill at about 14:40 BST
Up ahead on the route in Bury St Edmunds, where the torch is due in about an hour and a half, Luke Deal of BBC Radio Suffolk tweets that: "Crowds are already gathering on the Angel Hill for the arrival of the #olympictorch
1431: Ryan Tutthill, 15, from Bury St Edmunds is carrying the torch on its first leg back into Suffolk very soon.
Speaking from Haverhill, his dad told BBC Radio Suffolk: "We didn't realise that he'll be the first runner to welcome the torch back into Suffolk, he's so pleased.
"I nominated Ryan as I thought he needed a reward for everything that he does. He'll be grinning all over his face."
1436: Here we are in Haverhill. And Ryan is ready to roll.
The 15-year-old keeps chickens and turkeys and helps to raise funds for his local scout group by selling their eggs at local farmers' markets.
Ryan, from Bury St Edmunds, is a talented swimmer and helps to teach young children at his local swimming club.
1438: While we are waiting for the get go in Haverhill. You can always watch Jamie run with the torch.
And we have some hardcore torch fans up ahead.
Jeremy Sallis of BBC Radio Cambridgeshire tweets: Crowds already gathering in front of the cauldron, 5hrs before the #torch arrives!
1445: This is Claire Scarff, from Feltwell, is a dedicated volunteer, despite being diagnosed with skin cancer in 2011.
The 44-year-old is an active helper of the parent teacher's association for the local school, she runs the local beaver and cub groups and is the chair of the local women's institute.
Claire was awarded the Mayor's Civic award in 2007 for her voluntary work.
1448: Claire passes the flame to Holly Lambert, 12, participates in several school sporting activities while also training to represent Great Britain in the World Gymnastics Festival.
Kids are following Claire along on their rollerblades - dare we say it? - in the sunshine!
1454: The flame is set to arrive in Bury St Edmunds in about 40 minutes and crowds are already starting to gather says Luke Deal of BBC Radio Suffolk.
1455: Running now, and being asked to slow down a touch is Isabelle Gower, 12, who lost her sister Jess when she was 14 years old to primary bone cancer just before Christmas 2010.
She walked the West Highland Way, 96 miles in seven days, to raise money for bone cancer research. She has helped raise £18,400 so far.
She passes the torch on to Elodie Lafosse.
1502: This is Keren Goff, running now, she is handing the torch over to Stacey Johnson.
1503: Stacey Johnson has suffered with a brain tumour for the last four years and has been undergoing radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
Despite being very poorly Stacey has set up her own charity, Kisses4kids to raise money which is used to give treats to other seriously ill children, such as family days out at theme parks and presents at Christmas and Easter.
Jon Wright of BBC Radio Suffolk says the atmosphere is building in Newmarket. He tweets: "Great artwork at Newmarket Carnival, including javelin thrower Goldie Sayers...#olympictorch"
1513: This is Paralympian Caroline MacLean.
She has competed in three Paralympic Games - Sydney, Athens and Beijing and is hoping for a spot at London 2012.
She recently helped GB win Gold at the Paralympic World Cup in Manchester and is also a veteran of GB's amazing run of six bronze medals in the last seven European Championships having been involved in all but one of those teams.
1519: Incredible reception for the torch relay in Haverhill this afternoon says BBC Radio Suffolk's Alison Acton.
People are watching the event from their gardens in camping chairs with a packed lunch.
1520: Off to Bury St Edmunds now. Hoping to get a glimpse of the ruined abbey near the centre of the town.
There's a major brewery here, and a sugar processing plant. The torch is stopping for its afternoon break at the brewery, in fact.
1530: First to run in Bury will be Kyle McLean. He's just 12, one of the youngest runners, and his nomination says he is "always polite, well mannered and respectful to members of our community".
1542: Well, it's been lovely weather for ducks on the torch relay, and not bad for amphibians either.
Jon Wright of BBC Radio Suffolk tweets: "Now really raining in Newmarket ahead of #olympictorch but might cheer up by 5:30. Frogs like it though..."
1545: Just ahead in Bury, BBC Radio Suffolk's Luke Deal says it is bright and sunny on Angel Hill.
"The crowd is heaving at five or six deep with balloons and bunting waving in the breeze," he says.
Cllr Rob Everitt said: "It's amazing how many people are here and they are still coming. We're anticipating around 20,000 people in total."
Monica from Thetford said: "I've been here since 11:30 BST as I didn't want to miss anything. I've already seen the torch in Norwich, but I wanted to see it again in Bury - the atmosphere is fabulous."
1547: Here's young Kyle, ready to run. He gets his pep talk, and he's off.
1551: That's it for this morning's writers Claire and Michael - they are off for a well earned rest. Taking you through the afternoon are Ian Westbrook and Jenny Minard.
1554: We seem to have lost the pictures from Bury St Edmunds and hope to have them back as soon as possible.
1556: Passing on the flame is teacher Andrew Baxter who is a former staff sergeant in the army, but he lost his sight after serving in Bosnia. In 2009, he enrolled on a National Diploma Performing Arts course at Cambridge Regional College to develop public speaking and performance skills.
According to his nomination: "He ran the 2001 London marathon whilst chained to a submariner for charity, holds the blind land speed record for a solo ride on a motorbike, at more than 164 miles an hour, and has appeared on Top Gear as the 'blind man in a reasonably-priced car'."
1602: While we're waiting for the relay pictures to come back why not find out about a five-year-old boy's alternative relay.
1605: Suffolk torchbearer Amy Linton carried the Olympic flame yesterday through Ipswich. Speaking on BBC Radio Suffolk in Bury St Edmunds a few moments ago she said the experience was brilliant.
She said: "I was so nervous, I wanted to stayed glued to the seat on the bus, but it was worth every moment.
"I started off walking, but was told to pick up the speed - it just went too quickly but it's great to cheer everyone else on today."
She said she's going to get a stand for her torch and put it up in her house.
1611: So we may have lost the pictures for a while, but what you're seeing now are some barrels as the flame is at Greene King Westgate brewery site.
1613: Hello to Rev Erasmus who is at Tollgate roundabout waiting for the torch.
1617: There are huge crowds in Bury St Edmunds, which might affect the live feed as it runs off the 3G signal - more people, equals more demand for signal.
Fingers crossed it will hold out.
1619: Sarah Farley passes on the flame to Matthew Humphrey.
1622: This is Tom Duncan who volunteers at a local sea scout group - not only planning and running weekly meetings but overnight camps and sailing trips.
1628: Up next is Carolyn Hare who has run a Girl Guiding group for the past 26 years. She develops the confidence within the Guides to make them proud of their achievements and to go out to achieve other areas that they may not have considered.
1631: And now we have Chai Wai Frankie Tang, who helped raise funds for victims of the 2004 tsunami.
1633: BBC Radio Suffolk's Jon Wright says: "Keen people starting to bag their spots on Newmarket High St. Rain has stopped..."
1645: The flame is now in the hands of Ryan Jay, 14, who for the past five years has run a local youth club to give teenagers somewhere safe to meet. He managed to secure funding for the project and has won various awards for his hard work.
1647: A man you might see competing in the Paralympics this summer is next to take the flame. Hand cyclist Brian Alldis, 26, used to be a wheelchair racer before changing discipline. He got into sport having been encouraged by Tanni Grey Thompson to try athletics at a special session.
1650: "I would be the proudest girl in the whole world if I could carry the Olympic torch." So said our next torchbearer Alysia McIntyre when she was asked if she wanted to be nominated. The 21-year-old is sports mad - having taken part in and coached athletics and also in netball, which she also taught to girls in Kenya on her gap year.
1652: The flame is now at Bury St Edmunds Leisure Centre. We won't be able to see the pictures but it is being taken around an athletics track.
1714: Alysia McIntyre from Stowmarket carried the torch at the Suffolk Youth Games in Bury St Edmunds. She told BBC Radio Suffolk: I was in the bus getting more and more scared about what was going to happen. But taking the flame was brilliant - it was shockingly hot near my face! It was just smile and wave, smile and wave. It's been the most memorable day of my life so far."
We are now back in convoy mode by the way and on our way to Newmarket.
1719: During that break at the Leisure Centre, you may have spotted the torch security team indulging in a spot of rugby training. For those of you who didn't see them, BBC reporter Alison Acton helpfully took this picture:
1722: Alison Acton's camera has been busy - this time snapping BBC Suffolk's Luke Deal on his knees as the Olympic torch arrives on the Angel Hill in Bury St Edmunds:
1728: Our next relay stop Newmarket is best known for its connection to horse racing. A third of local jobs are said to be related to the sport, the town has a racecourse which holds major races every year while the National Horseracing Museum is also based there.
Excitement building in Cambridge, according to Luke Charles: "On Parkers Piece waiting for #torchrelay. Excited. Cannot believe 2012 is here. Proud to be part of it. So many logos in one place.
1732: Bang on time into Newmarket where our first torchbearer is Andy McGowan, 24, who achieved a law degree at Cambridge University despite missing some of his earlier education to care for his two disabled parents.
1735: After a quick linked-arms jig with Andy, with the torch now is Louise Barnes, 29, who survived cancer four times in her teens and now works with and helps other victims of the disease.
She jogs along in front of the now customary huge crowds out on the streets.
Are you reading this on your phone waiting to see the torch in Cambridge - if so tweet us at @BBC2012 or visit our BBC London 2012 Facebook page and tell us what the atmosphere is like or send us a photo.
1740: Football coach Chris Ramsdale, 46, now takes over flame duties. He has spent more than 10 years working with a local boys' team.
1744: The bunting is out and strung across the main street as the flame passes to 34-year-old Cheryl Scotland-Wigg. She is serenaded by a piper (is this anything to do with her surname?) as she sets off. He walks alongside and then behind her after being moved by a torch security team member.
Cheryl has helped to organise charity events to raise money for the study of infant death after a close friend lost her son, when he was very young.
1746: If you go to watch sitting volleyball at the Paralympics then Steve Walton probably deserves your gratitude. He has helped re-establish the sport in England since London won the Games by running an international referees course. GThe 57-year-old is a former referee himself.
1751: Back in the van goes the flame - next stop in around 20 minutes is the university city of Cambridge.
1806: It's not too late to take part in the evening activities planned to welcome the torch into Cambridge tonight.
Known as the Big Weekend, we are told that the day will finish with a two-hour community spectacular called A Field For Dreams - "the likes of which will never have been seen before in the city".
1810: Lifting the torch as we start off in Cambridge should prove no problem for 47-year-old David Morgan, who is one of Britain's most successful weightlifters of all time.
When he won the lightweight class in Brisbane in 1982 aged 17, he became the Commonwealth Games' youngest-ever weightlifting champion. He also won medals in the next five Games, including one gold and two silvers in Manchester in 2002. David is the only person to collect medals in six different Commonwealth Games and to win gold in five.
His best Olympic performance came when he finished fourth both in 1984 in Los Angeles and the 1988 Seoul Games
1812: Our next torchbearer Alister Rayment has been really looking forward to this moment of carrying the torch.
The 21-year-old, who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and learning difficulties at the age of three, is the British record holder for 5,000m running with CP Sport. He told the Peterborough Telegraph: "I am really excited about carrying the torch on Saturday and I can't wait to see myself on TV and on the internet on the day."
1813: Along the relay entertainers have been getting the crowds in the mood... Haverhill, earlier today, was no exception.
1818: This is 38-year-old Aimee Yates, who has recovered from anorexia, which left her hospitalised for 16 months. She wants to help other people suffering from eating disorders and says: "I would like to set up support groups for sufferers in my area so people feel less alone and can have some support and guidance as they seek recovery."
1822: We see a baby attached to its parent in a sling before at the next 'torch kiss' a child shouts out "Oh look they're changing it" before Matthew Tweddle sets off.
1824: With the flame now is Zhiyong (Patrick) Pan, who volunteers at his local nursing home and also mentors underprivileged children.
1827: Next up is 26-year-old Neil Adams, who has Down's Syndrome. Despite his condition he has won a gold medal at World tang Soo Do in the World Championships while he also helps out at Addenbrookes Hospital.
1832: This is Mark Reynolds, who is running on behalf of his brother David, who expected to be a torchbearer but who sadly died in February. David suffered from duchenne's muscular dystrophy and Mark is carrying David's ashes during this run.
1834: Hope our next torchbearer Tony Burton, 36, does not try to put out the flame. He is a crew manager in the Cambridgeshire fire and rescue service while he also volunteers with a local young carers group.
1839: Former Olympian Christine Ilman, 62, is next on torch duty. As Christine Jarvis, she was Great Britain's ladies team swimming champion at the 1972 Olympics in Munich and the Montreal Games in 1976, where she reached the 100m breaststroke semi-finals.
She also won a bronze medal in the event at the 1970 Commonwealth Games and was USA national champion in 1976.
She now coaches young people in the sport.
1848: Unfortunately it looks like we are not going to be able to bring you pictures of Olympic silver medallist Iwan Thomas lighting the cauldron tonight at Parker's Piece.
The 400m runner was part of the Great Britain 4x400m relay team which finished second in the Atlanta Games in 1996 and the 38-year-old still holds the UK record at his distance with a time of 44.36 seconds.
He also competed at the Sydney Olympics in 2000 but missed the 2004 Games and 2006 Commonwealth Games, where he would have run for Wales, because of injury.
1853: And that's it for today. Thanks for joining Jenny Minard and Ian Westbrook this afternoon.
The relay gets back under way again tomorrow at 06:34 BST in Cambridge - so please join Claire Heald and Michael Hirst then.
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