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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Deal
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Sholden
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Sandwich
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Great Stonar
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Cliffsend
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St Lawrence
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Ramsgate
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Broadstairs
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St Peters
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Cliftonville
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Margate
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Westgate-on-Sea
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Birchington
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Upstreet
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Sturry
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Canterbury
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Thanington
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Faversham
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Challock
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Harrietsham
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Maidstone
- 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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Deal
- Deal Pier
- Beach St
- King St
- High St
- A258
- Sondes Rd
- A258 Prince of Wales Terrace
- A258 Deal Castle Rd
- Guildford Rd
- Park Ave
- A258 London Rd
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Sholden
- A258 London Rd
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Sandwich
- Deal Rd
- New St
- New Street
- Cattle Market
- Harnet Street
- Strand Street
- High Street
- Ramsgate Rd
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Great Stonar
- Ramsgate Rd
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Cliffs End
- A256 Sandwich Rd
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St Lawrence
- A299 Canterbury Rd East
- A253
- B2054 London Rd
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Ramsgate
- B2054 London Rd
- B2054 Grange Rd
- B2054 St Augustine's Rd
- B2054 Royal Parade
- B2054 Military Rd
- Harbour St
- King St
- A255 Hereson Rd
- A255 Ramsgate Rd
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Broadstairs
- A255 Ramsgate Rd
- A255 Queens Rd
- A255 High St
- B2053 St Peter's Park Rd
- B2053 Albion Road
- St Joseph's Catholic Primary School
- B2053 Albion Road
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St Peters
- B2053 Church St
- B2053 Westover Rd
- B2053 Green Ln
- B2052 Northdown Park Rd
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Cliftonville
- B2051 Queen Elizabeth Avenue
- Northdown Rd
- B2055 Northdown Rd
- B2055 Trinity Square
- B2055 Hawley St
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Margate
- B2055 Hawley St
- B2055 Hawley Sq
- Mill Lane
- High St
- B2051 Marine Dr
- Turner Gallery
- Turner Gallery entrance
- B2051 Marine Dr
- A254 Marine Terrace
- A28 Canterbury
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Westgate-On-Sea
- A28 Canterbury
- A28 Canterbury Rd Westgate
- Westgate-On-Sea
- Ursuline College
- A28 Canterbury Rd Westgate
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Birchington
- A28 Canterbury Rd Birchington
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Upstreet
- A28 Island Rd
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Sturry
- A28 Island Rd
- A28 Sturry Hill
- A28 Mill Rd
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Canterbury
- A28 Sturry Rd
- Asda Car Park
- A28 Sturry Rd
- Northgate
- Borough
- Palace St
- Sun St
- Cathderal Precincts
- Mercery Ln
- St Margarets St
- Castle St
- A28 Wincheap
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Thanington
- A28 Wincheap
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Faversham
- B2040 Love Ln
- B2040 Whistable Rd
- B2020 Whistable Rd
- Jubilee Way
- Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Centre
- Jublilee Way
- B2040 Whistable Rd
- B2040 East St
- East St
- Preston St
- B2041 Forbes Rd
- B2041 The Mall
- A2 Canterbury Rd
- A251 Ashford Rd
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Challock
- A251 Faversham Rd
- A252 Canterbury Rd
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Harrietsham
- A20 Ashford Rd
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Maidstone
- Leeds Castle entrance lane
- The Causeway Castle Approach Lane
- Leeds Castle Gantry
- Leeds Castle forecourt
- Leeds Castle steps
- Castle Gantry
- Main Drive
- Grassed area
- Event Space
Evening Celebration
Leeds Castle, Maidstone
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
0817: A real lie-in for the Olympic flame this morning - the relay is not due to start for another 12 minutes.
Good morning and welcome to our live coverage of day 62 of the torch relay.
0819: The relay wends its way for 65 miles through Kent from Deal to Maidstone with triple Olympic javelin medallist Steve Backley and artist Tracey Emin among the torchbearers.
0829: BBC Radio Kent's Breakfast show presenter, John Warnett said: "Big crowds are forming on Deal seafront." The day's second torchbearer, Roy Guy said: "I'm very fortunate because I think I'm on the only one who lives in Deal to be running in Deal."
0832: The relay is starting at the end of Deal Pier - we do not have pictures from there.
Walmer inshore lifeboat is patrolling under Deal pier.
BBC presenter, Claire McDonnell said: "There are schoolchildren all up the pier, many businesses have opened up early. It's a bit of a business opportunity."
The BBC's John Warnett reports: "Once you've seen it, the torch relay is a completely different thing. In Tunbridge Wells it was like a pop group had arrrived."
0834: The first torchbearer is Katherine Batts. She has been Treasurer of the City of Rochester Swimming and Lifeguard Club for 14 years she has also served as lifeguard officer for the Kent branch of the RLSS for the past 18 years.
0836: The torch has come from the pier on to the streets of Deal.
Our second torchbearer Roy Guy is waiting for the kiss of the flame as the torch carried by Katherine approaches. Lots of popele are waving from balconies and the BBC's John Warnett reports: "The crowds are about eight deep now"
Roy has been involved in sport all his life, from playing as a young man to being a PE instructor in the Prison Service. He has inspired many young footballers by running local football schools.
0837: Katherine and Roy have a hug before he sets off running along the road carrying the Olympic flame and hopefully very soon into the view of torchcam.
0839: We see our first torch of the day - and it is Roy holding it. He completes his run before passing the flame over to James Pocknell.
0842: Our next torchbearer Megan Hennessy was voted form captain in September 2011 she also represents her school in netball and football fixtures.
We see shots of the beach and coastline on the right-hand side of the screen on what is a beautiful sunny day.
0846: The Olympic torch relay incredibly started nine weeks ago tomorrow - it has been a huge part of all our lives since then.
But what will we do when it is all finished? We have the Olympics of course and then the Paralympics but no more torchcam.
Let us know your memories and highlights of the relay - and tell us how you are going to cope without it. Tweet us at @BBC2012 or visit our BBC London 2012 Facebook page.
0847: In front of huge crowds the flame passes to Sean Newman - it looks like summer is finally here!
In 2007 Sean received the news that he had testicular cancer. After treatment and follow-on care he was back on top form.
In 2009 he completed a cycle ride from Amman to Aqaba in Jordan, to raise funds for the Multiple Sclerosis Centre in Canterbury.
0851: The relay is due in Cliffsend in just under an hour's time. The BBC's Jo Pattison is there and reports: "Crowds are starting to gather under beautiful sunshine in Cliffsend. A group of family and friends known as the Cliffsend Cockles are already waving flags. Iona Cameron, 16, said: "I'm really excited. I'm so proud to be British today.""
0852: Despite not being a rower and never having been to sea, Fiona Waller rowed 6,000 miles across the Atlantic and Indian Oceans to raise £50,000 for cancer charities.
0855: Lois Ghost has completed a one mile swimathon three times raising over £700 for charity. She is a young carer who has a disabled brother who she looks after and supports and apparently never complains.
0900: The relay is going down a treat in Deal.
"I'm not an Olympics person but I will watch it now. The weather couldn't be better," one lady told BBC Radio Kent, whose reporter Jo Burn said: "There were people here from just after 6. All the shops on the seafront are serving tea and I hope people will stay around and enjoy the town. Deal looks glorious."
Elaine Derek has set up an Olympic window display at her baker's shop. She said: "It's fantastic. There will be lots of people there, it's great for all the kids."
0901: The flame passes on to Rob Waite. Following testicular cancer in 2007 he "is living life to the full", raising money for cancer charity Orchid by competing in duathlons and 10km races.
He completed the 1,000 mile John O'Groats to Land's End cycle across Britain.
0902: Lots of children about at the moment - two in matching pink sweatshirts and matching torches trot along behind Rob - could be his kids.
Then two other children dressed in red tops step out towards Rob, again holding homemade torches, before a steward in a yellow jacket gently moves them aside.
0904: We bid farewell to Deal for now - next stop Sandwich.
0907: While the relay passed through Deal, 1948 torchbearer John Barrett met BBC presenter Clare McDonnell on the seafront. John held a 2012 torch today as the flame came through.
0910: On the day this year's Open Golf Championships starts at Royal Lytham, the relay now arrives at another Open venue Sandwich.
The Royal St Georges Club has hosted the Championship 14 times, the last occasion being 12 months ago.
0911: The first torchbearer in Sandwich is Brian Davis, who has been a club runner since his schooldays. He has run for the Royal Navy and has represented Great Britain in international veterans' championships. He has also been a kidney donor and has ran the London Marathon.
0918: As Caroline Spence runs through the centre of Sandwich, we hear a man on a loud speaker saying to the crowd: "Make as much noise as possible." She runs past a black and white medieval building before passing the flame on to David Hampson-Ghani.
Looks like torchcam is going to be missed when the torch relay ends a week tomorrow. We asked what you will do without it (see 0846) and you have been quick to respond.
Thanks to Victoria McCaskill who tweets: "Only 1 week left of torchcam! Noooooo! It's been the highlight of my day! Loved the coverage. Made me feel a part of it all."
Rebecca Murrell clearly plans to relive the entire 70 days and says: "I may just have to put my torch run video on repeat."
On what he is going to do, Simon simply says: "Watch the Olympics!!!!"
On our BBC London 2012 Facebook page, Melonie Pickering says: "Housework....maybe" while Brian MacElwee comments: "I'll be watching the games live online and on CTV here in Canada."
0925: We leave Sandwich and move into Great Stonar where Grigor Varbanov is the first torchbearer.
0929: The relay is currently running a few minutes ahead as the flame passes to Katherine Stalker who volunteers for the Seahorses Swimming Club for the disabled. She has cerebral palsy but does not allow her disability to stop her from being an active member of the club.
0936: Our next torchbearer Tracy Evans links arms with Katherine and they dance around before exchanging the flame. Tracy works for the armed forces RAF/ARM based in UK. she has had twins and throws herself into the needs of the local community, alone she raised £40,000 for a playground much needed for the local children.
0939: School's out - lots of children waving Union Jack flags pack the pavement and get to see Tracy dance her second jig of the day, this time with our final torchbearer in Great Stonar who is Tabitha Rodgers.
0943: In the van again goes the lantern and next stop is Cliffsend in under 10 minutes.
0946: Cliffsend is well known for the replica Viking Ship on the clifftop at Pegwell Bay Country Park.
0949: Luke Humphrys kicks off the relay in Cliffsend.
0952: This is Joseph Smith who is dedicated to swimming. He was the eldest Briton to swim the English Channel at the age of 65 and was inaugurated into the international Hall of fame in Fort Lauderdale, America.
0955: We see the replica Viking Ship (see 0946) as Joseph prepares to hand over to Wendy Wiles, who has worked for the Guide Association for more than 25 years.
1000: Very short journey to St Lawrence now - the last convoy journey until after the lunch break, which today is at around 13:30 BST.
1003: So teenager Rebecca Hoggett starts proceedings in St Lawrence.
1005: Katie-Jaine Thomas is a carer for a step-parent with Multiple Sclerosis. She regularly raises money for charity by collecting in her local shopping centre.
1007: Great support from local schoolchildren who probably can't believe that a) the Olympic torch is visiting b) it's sunny or c) they have been allowed out on to the streets during the school day.
They see Bogdan Cismariu, who trains mountain guides, take over flame-carrying duties now.
1009: Councillor Iris Johnson from Thanet District Council said that it is estimated that the torch relay will bring £219 million in tourism to Thanet and at 15.3 miles the route in Thanet is the longest stretch in Kent. There are 300 marshals, mostly volunteers.
Joe Smith carried the torch in Cliffsend (see 0952) and the BBC's Jo Pattison reported: "Family and friends of torchbearer Joe Smith waited with him to hand over the flame. Joe, 78, was the first British pensioner to swim the Channel. His son Andrew, who nominated him, flew in from Thailand to watch him."
1012: Expect some musical entertainment in our next stop Ramsgate, where a jazz band is warming up:
1013: This is David Stedall who has given over 50 years to public service and humanitarian duty. He became a St John Ambulance cadet when he was 10 years old and has continued throughout his life to help and encourage others where possible as Vice Chairman of the RNLI Chatham branch and being the founding chairman of the British Institute of Management (Kent), where he created a career guidance scheme in local Kent schools.
1017: Our next torchbearer Alexander Huot is head of social media for the International Olympic Committee - maybe he will tweet @BBC2012 after his run to tell us of his experiences.
1025: Chloe Gambrill was diagnosed with leukaemia when she was six years old. She began 27 months of chemotherapy treatment. Only five weeks after being diagnosed, Chloe took part in Cancer Research UK's Race for Life in memory of her Nannie who had died.
Only 1km into the 5km course she collapsed. She was unable to stand or walk but refused to get into an ambulance. Having begged her mum to let her carry on she continued to the finish line beng carried in her parents' arms. She was so worried that she would let her sponsors down that she would not give up.
1028: We move towards Ramsgate Harbour and our first celebrity torchbearer of the day - it's triple Olympic medallist Steve Backley. He was a GB javelin star at four Games from 1992 to 2004.
He won two silver medals and a bronze at Olympic Games from 1992-2000 and finished fourth in 2004, during a career that also brought four European and three Commonwealth titles.
Speaking to BBC Kent, he joked: "There's a few people nervous I'm going to throw the torch, but I promise you I won't even be tempted."
1030: And we think we can hear the jazz band, picturd at 1012, as Steve continues his run.
There are packed streets everywhere as he firmly holds on to his torch - and now as the sound of the band fades a tannoy strikes up with 'Chariots of Fire' as an announcer whips the crowd up into a frenzy.
1032: That's the end of Steve's turn and he hands over to Dean Gough. Since the loss of his two year old son Alfie last year, Dean has focused on the creation of a Children's Charity, Aflie's Trust. Recently a community Teddy Bear's picnic was attended by over 1,500 people which was focused on families having fun in the community.
Fiona Horne tweets: "Wow just read your info on Chloe Gambrill (see 1025), Ramsgate torchbearer. Exactly what #torchrelay spirit is all about. What a girl."
1038: Steve Backley struck a Usain Bolt pose before he started his run and was captured in his picture by Jessica Cornish. Steve told BBC Radio Kent: "To go from county to county and see communities engaged and bringing everyone out is something to behold."
1039: Huge crowds out in Ramsgate today:
1041: Should be a quick time here from Phillip Mallery who is a keen athlete, participating in local runs, cycling events and triathlons, including five London Marathons and an Ironman Triathlon. He was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, an incurable bone marrow cancer, in 2006. He had to have chemotherapy and a stem cell bone marrow transplant. He became involved in Transplant Sport UK and after recovery, went on the win the cycling cup and several gold medals in the British Transplant Games.
1048: Zakaria Bentaleb has suffered at the hands of bullies but is now an ambassador/buddy for new students who start at school.
1051: Mubeen Khan, who now has the flame, has participated across a wide range of sporting activities and represented his school, university and local county. He has used his passion for football as a way of bringing communities together. Most recently, he participated in a football tournament raising money for floods in Australia.
1053: Here comes Ronald Treston who has learning disabilities and lives in supported accommodation. He now works as a First Aider volunteering at St John Ambulance. He is actively involved with Mencap and makes weekly visits to local hospitals to talk to staff about the needs of learning disabilities patients during their hospital stay.
He sets off tentatively and then breaks into a stride.
1100: This was the moment Mubeen Khan had the flame as tweeted by the Fabric and Craft Company.
1057: This is Cameron Edmonds who has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and uses a wheelchair. According to his nomination: "He is a cheerful person who draws others to him."
1106:Edward Wyborn has volunteered over the past 40 years in his local community. He has been a member of the British Red Cross, teaching First Aid and nursing courses to hundreds of people.
He is now with the flame.
1106: Here comes Sally Jones who teaches children and adults a variety of watersports. She has won nationals and inspires young women to race at a lower level.
1115: Look at those lovely well-behaved children of St Josephs Catholic Primary School lining up to see the flame.
Big shout out to the kids... this is where the torch relay team will be having a nice brew break.
1123: Here's some other children who waited for the flame in Ramsgate, tweeted by Tanya Edwards - the kids of Holy Trinity Ramsgate reception class were looking a little glum, but well-behaved indeed.
1130: Is this torchcam's youngest fan? This is the two-year-old son of Joanne O'Donoghue watching the relay on his Dad's phone. "He's addicted, bless him," says Mum:
1134: This is David Bartlett who supports his local youth club, the Zone in St Peter's, Broadstairs, for some time now as a youth leader. He once had his head shaved for charity and raised £1,000.
1137: Susan Flory has made a huge difference to the lives of many young people in her local area. She dedicated her Sundays to coaching the local junior rugby team for 13 years and also ran the local music and drama festival.
1139: Serving up the torch now is Team GB Olympic tennis player Elena Baltacha. The former British number one, who will represent Britain in the Games singles competition at Wimbledon, told BBC Sport she was looking forward to both that and today's run with the torch.
She said: "It was always going to be a big honour to carry the Torch but, let's face it, if I had carried it knowing that I probably wasn't going to be able to compete then I think I would have felt a bit sad. Now I can really celebrate and enjoy the moment and I hope lots of people turn out to watch and cheer."
Elena reached the second round of this year's Wimbledon Championships and is currently ranked number 100 in the world and fourth in Britain.
1146: Next in line for flame-carrying duties is Jennifer Ryan who has volunteered as a leader at the 16th Bethnal Green Guides for the past eight years.
Trev Simmons spots that the torchcam feed is slightly delayed from real time: "The joy of technology stood outside 4 #torchrelay then came inside and 'live' feed was 2 mins behind so watched it go past again."
1151: The BBC's Alex Ward reports: "Even in the country lanes there are people watching the torch go part." Liz and Taz from Cliftonville, said: "It's lovely that something lovely is coming past."
1154: Still in St Peters but now with Samuel Lucas. He is a lifeguard at the local swimming pool, a rescue Scuba diver and published underwater photographer.
1156: Samuel hands over to schoolboy Samuel Covington.
1159: Former Olympic swimmer Karen Pickering is carrying the flame in the next hour and is on the way to the drop-off point with her fellow torchbearers:
1204: Samuel finishes his run to a huge round of applause and passes the flame on to Rachael Rowden who s a refuge support worker in a women's refuge and so on a daily basis helps women and children who have suffered from domestic violence and abuse.
1207: We are now in Cliftonville, the coastal area of Margate, and although the sunshine seems to have disappeared it still looks like a good day to go to the beach.
Next up is Mark Vince who has undertaken six fundraising activities over the last five years, raising £5,750 for three charities. In both 2007 and 2008 he did the London to Windsor bike race raising £1,500 for the British Heart Foundation, in 2009 it was the London to Brighton bike race and in 2009 he organised a barn dance raising £1,500 for Cancer Research.
1210: Derek Harding's passion is working to create new opportunities which transform deprived neighbourhoods and he has committed himself to that over 15 years in London and the south east. Most recently he managed the Margate Renewal Partnership and now is his 'Moment to Shine'.
1212: Jo Burn from BBC Radio Kent is in Margate from where she reports: "The Turner Contemporary is bedecked with a giant pink flash. Tracey Emin's mum and brother are waiting to greet her before she makes her way inside to have her picture taken with The Kiss."
Tracey is due to carry the torch in around 20 minutes.
1217: Now we have Andrew Blandford who is an inspiring person who is passionate about sport. He began volunteering in the Commonwealth Games in 2002. He has spent ten years freely giving his time, enthusiasm and effort to sporting events. In 2003 he volunteered at the World Indoor Championships in Athletics in Birmingham.
PeckhamRose pleads: "Now going past the rear of Laleham School for very special kids. Name it, do!"
1226: Kristina Pilko Demirkiran is a kickboxer. She trained regularly and started competing at tournaments. She became the first female classical boxing referee in Croatia and finally kickboxing referee.
She now passes the flame to Janet Dell who is a National Trainer Assessor for the RLSS and an ASA swimming teacher. She teaches children water safety helps and advises in schools.
1231: Slobodan Mirovic is a student of the Faculty of Natural Science and Mathematics in Novi Sad and has been practicing judo for five years. According to his nomination his father died when he was a child and his mother left him after his father's death, so he had no one to look after him. He was brought up receiving care and the protection of the children's village in Sremska Kamenica.
1232: We move into Margate now, described on the Visit Thanet website as a place: "which keeps all the picture-postcard promises for golden childhood holidays, timeless sandy seaside appeal, bucket-and-spade fun, candyfloss, and fish and chips.".
1237: Now with the flame is Emma-Jayne Chadwickhas acted as an assistant coach for Sport4NRG Streetdance. She has been encouraging young girls from her school to attend and then supports all the new participants who attend.
1239: Tracey Emin now has the flame. She graduated in fine arts from the Maidstone College of Art in 1986 and was on the short list for the Turner Prize in 1999.
She is one of 12 artists who have created posters for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, for display at Tate Britain in London.
Tracey is starting her run from outside Margate's Turner Contemporary gallery, where her new exhibition is currently being shown.
Tracey Emin's brother, Paul, said: "It's all good for the regeneration of Thanet and Margate and we need this to bring Margate forward," while her mother added: "It's a great honour for Tracey, I'm going to be quite emotional."
1241: She takes the flame into the Turner Gallery where her photograph will be taken.
1242: Tracey will pass the flame onto Olympian Karen Pickering who has arrived ready for her stint. She's letting the crowds hold the Torch apparently.
1244: Ooooh check out #bbctorchcam now - zooming through the windows to see what's going on inside.
1251: This is Olympian Karen Pickering who was a member of the British swimming squad from 1986 to 2005. She has won eight World Championship medals, four of which were gold, 14 European Championship medals, 38 National Championship titles and 13 Commonwealth Games medals including four gold. She also competed at the 1992, 1996, 2000 and 2004 Olympic Games.
1254: Carole Colin Guignard motivates people to participate in several marathons. She raises awareness of breast cancer and raising money for charities.
1254: Here comes youngster Ryan-Paul Nolan set up groups where youngsters from the different cultures could integrate and educate one another about their backgrounds, beliefs and traditions.
1256: Here's a picture of the moment artist Tracey Emin carried the flame. #bbctorchcam's Priya says: "As a tribute - I didn't make my bed this morning."
The BBC's Jo Burn said: "The town of Margate never tires of its daughter Tracey Emin and she's still here with her torch and the town will continue partying all afternoon."
1303:Lucy Conn was diagnsosed with Idiopathic intracranial hypertension when she was 17 and normally this condition is solved by a lumbar puncture. Unfortunatly within two weeks she couldn't see light from dark, and had 18 lumbar punctures within thee weeks.
She was transferred to the national neuroloigcal hospital where she had a shunt fitted and had an ICP bolt inserted into her brain to measure the pressure around it.
After four operations she managed to get some vision back but is now registered severly partially sighted.
She now has the flame.
1306: Torchbearer Gavin Griffiths was diagnosed with diabetes when he was eight years old. In 2008, at 17, he wanted to do something to inspire young diabetics that they could do whatever they put their mind to do. He ran 29 miles around the Thanet coast in three hours and raised £1,614 for his clinic. He has also ran 50 miles in two days.
1307: There seems to be a carnival atmosphere in Westgate-on-Sea where the flame is now.
1310: This is Joseph Guy is continuously overcoming autism. He plays for a disabled football club and eants to show other mental health sufferers and physically disabled people that there is no exclusion in football or sport.
1316: Here comes Colin Rouse is a member of the Sport 4NRG team. Apparently: "He knows he is lucky to be working in sport and his passion and enthusiasm for all things sport rubs off on the young people."
1314: Jade Corby tweeted: "After seeing the Olympic torch three times in two days and enjoying all the festivities, I am now well and truly exhausted!"
Here Simon Moores tweets a picture of crowds at Westgate.
Immediately after her leg with the torch, four-time Olympic swimmer Karen Pickering tweeted: "Totally AMAZING experience!! Can't describe it. Just buzzing!!!"
1324: Daniel O'Donovan has devoted his whole life to working with children and encouraging them into sport and helping them to achieve their best as a PE teacher and then a headteacher.
Despite having a triple bypass in 2004 he continued to work tirelessly as a headteacher and within the community and was asked in 2008 to take on a consultant headteacher role in Kent to help maximise 2012 opportunities for the 600 schools and hundreds of thousands of young people in Kent schools.
He is now with the flame.
1326: The torch team are now having their lunch break in Westgate-on-Sea and are scheduled to get moving again shortly after 14:30 BST.
While we're waiting for the relay to start up again why not check out some of these stories:
You can go behind the scenes with Jessica Ennis as she prepares for an event.
How London 2012 are tackling ambush marketing at the Games.
And find out all about the Tree of Light as part of Festival 2012.
1335: If you've missed any of the relay this morning then why not check out a selection of photographs.
Later this afternoon the flame will be going to Birchington-On-Sea, Sturry, Canterbury, Thanington, Faversham, Challock, Harrietsham and Maidstone.
With only a week left of the torch relay, what have been your highlights so far? Get in touch on Twitter @BBC2012 or using #bbctorchcam or join the discussion on our Facebook page.
1421: The relay is due to restart in around 10 minutes - and when it does your text commentators will have changed to Jane Mower and Martin Gough from Jenny Minard and Ian Westbrook.
1426: The shuttle bus is on the move, heading to Canterbury Rd in Westgate-on-Sea, where the afternoon's action will commence.
Westgate is, according to Sir John Betjeman, Where those minarets and steeples / Prick the open Thanet sky.
1432: The first torchbearer is on the road and we're under way again. James Neate was born with retinitis pigmentosa and now has very little peripheral vision, and is almost night blind. But that doesn't stop him going on night hikes where he takes the arm of an adult and walks confidently along woodland paths.
None of Betjemen's striving chains of ordered children just yet but a few people scattered on the pavements to see James pass.
1434: Ah! There they are, all banging the sponsor's blue thunder sticks as James hands over to the next torchbearer.
Peter "Bengo" Benicky was a talented athlete and dedicated sportsman. Fifteen years ago he was a professional footballer and although he has now moved on to new things in his career, he still has a passion for football.
1439: Dale Howting, 77, has lived in Sittingbourne all his life. For the past 20 years he has raised money for local charities by cycling. He has raised £225,000 and continues to do so.
Plenty of feet scampering on the asphalt pavements alongside Dale now as he heads towards Birchington-On-Sea.
1442: Dale's very jolly stint comes to an end and now it's the turn of Megan Blunt, who was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer in 2004. She went on to help raise thousands of pounds for the charity CLIC Sergeant.
Several people have brought chairs out of their homes onto the roadside in Birchington to watch Megan jog past and hand over to Jane Hadlow.
1448: Jane puts in a good turn of speed to take the torch into the centre of Birchington, where the crowds are out in force and there is a bagpiper to serenade her handover to 88-year-old Freda Rayner.
Freda, who once served in the WRAF as a barrage balloon winch operator, has run a charity shop for the people of Herne Bay - 10 miles west of here - since 1963. She has helped to arrange coach trips for the elderly and also Christmas dinners in the local community centre. Despite attending dialysis three times a week she still opens the shop six days a week.
Rather than waving the torch, Freda is waving her walking stick to the masses, including lots of people perched on walls at the roadside. The volume of people here makes it all feel like a low-speed mountain stage of the Tour de France - lots of people leaning in front of our camera to take pics then diving out of Freda's way just in time.
1453: With the bagpipes still ringing out, Terence Riley gives Freda a kiss before their torches kiss to transfer the flame.
Terence, who left school at the age of 14 with no qualifications, became the first deaf series editor of the BBC programme See Hear, and was awarded an honarary degree from Wolverhampton University.
He's marching at a good pace here, waving then giving a thumbs-up to a friend in the crowd.
1457: Convoy time now for a six-mile trip south-west to Upstreet.
1507: There's a good crowd in Upstreet to greet Christine Wilkins, who has run the 4th Whitstable Guide unit for over 20 years. She gives up time every week to organise activities, as well as planned yearly camps and giving up weekends to attend various events with the girls.
1506:Raymond Fisk has spent decades doing voluntary charity work for the MS Society and Boys' Brigade. He has a quick jog with Christine before taking off with a jaunty jog.
1514: Raymond is a little out of breath but still has time for another jig with his successor, Samantha Jones.
Inspired by a dream that she would swim the English Channel, Samantha moved with her two sons to Dover and trained for two years in Dover Harbour. Her first attempt at a crossing, though, was thwarted by the tide and she was was pulled from the water, exhausted and heartbroken.
Six weeks later she had a phone call from her pilot saying: "Be on the boat at 9pm, we're going tonight." She knew she had to swim in the dark and for 14 hours to get to where she had been before. She arrived and was taken to Samphire Hoe where she started her second swim. Sixteen hours later, with one shoulder almost out of its socket, she hauled herself up on the beach at Cap Blanc Nez, her dream had come true.
1518: Enough dreaming in Upstreet. We're back in convoy down the A28 to Sturry.
1520: Some of this morning's famous torchbearers have been chatting to BBC Kent about the experience.
Triple Olympic medallist Steve Backley said: "Seeing people's reaction to the Olympic flame - it's something that inspired me or part of what inspired me to chase my dreams. Part of it [the torch relay] is encouraging us all to go after what we're truly passionate about."
Artist Tracey Emin said: "It was really exciting and really good fun. In my wildest dreams I never imagined I'd be doing that. It was such a surreal thing.
"It was like I had this really weird dream that I was running along Marine Terrace going towards Turner Contemporary, which wasn't here a year or so ago, to my own art exhibition. I was going to stand next to Rodin's Kiss, meet an Olympian, and light the torch. The whole thing was unbelievable."
1523: On what is now called Island Rd in Sturry, it's the turn of 14-year-old Alec Martin to carry the flame. Aged 11 he was diagnosed with MPNST, a rare cancer in his left leg. He had chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy and is currently walking with a crutch, aided by one of the security team.
In July 2010 he raised £2,000 to buy toys, dvds, players, games consoles games and books for the local hospital ward.
1528: After that brave performance, Alec passes over to 18-year-old Kerry Boyd, who has fought for her school to be rebuilt. She has also become a Young Olympic Ambassador, seeking to involve others in sporting activities, and has done two charity walks, one of which was 40 miles long and took 13 hours to complete.
1530: A small boy extends a large blow-up hand in Union Flag colours and a member of the security team obliges with a high-10 before Kerry hands over to Simona Tapuskova.
1533: Next up, Kelly Cullen has been teaching fitness and health since the days of Jane Fonda 30 years ago, and is still described as a "hardcore fitness fanatic".
Sturry was apparently one of the most badly bombed villages in the country during the Second World War but it is at its most vibrant today.
1537: Some complex aerobic routine heralds the handover from Kelly to Daniel Croft, who runs a fostering agency with his parents and older sister. As a family they have given the last 25 years to helping children.
1540: Sean Henry has spent hours working for various charities across both Kent and East Anglia. He helped Guide Dogs set up a university branch, raising money through activities like dressing up in dog costumes. Just the standard white uniform today, disappointingly.
1544: After barely half a mile in the minibus, the flame is on the streets of the historic city of Canterbury, which stands on the River Stour and has been a popular tourist destination since the days of the pilgrims.
In recognition of its rich history parts of the city, including Canterbury Christchurch Cathedral and Precinct, St Augustine's Abbey and St Martin's Church, were designated a Unesco World Heritage Site in 1988.
1545: Canterbury's first torchbearer is George Hamilton, vice-president of Olympic operations for chemical company Dow, whose sponsorship of the wrap around the Olympic Stadium has provoked some controversy.
He gives a thumbs-up for the cameras as he hands over to Olivier Chapelle, who Dow have also invited to take part today.
1555: Canterbury Times reporter Lowri Stafford has tweeted this pic, saying: "There's barely space to move in the Buttermarket, it's absolutely packed!"
1556: At the end of Emma White's leg with the torch, she stops for a promotional appearance on behalf of another of the event's sponsors. The theme music from Chariots of Fire ring out and there is a large crowd to greet her in the Asda car park.
1602: One very determined young lady is up next. Beth Coombe-Jones was 13 when she swam the English Channel in an overnight relay - swimming for three hours amongst seaweed, jellyfish and tankers. This extraordinary feat, combined with holding raffles, tombolas and other fundraising events, meant she was able to donate a whopping £4,000 to the local hospice.
Beth has a slightly unglamourous route around the sparsely-populated parts of the supermarket car park but, thanks to the police roadblock there are plenty of drivers present to beep horns when she rejoins the A28.
1605: There's an Usain Bolt pose from Giles Seaford before he sets off. Giles is usually busy organising street games for under-priviledged children and dance and movement classes for the elderly in local parks - all with the aim of improving life for people in his community.
1606: We've just heard that Olympic men's singles tennis champion Rafael Nadal has pulled out of London 2012, saying he is "not in condition" to compete. The Spaniard was knocked out in the second round at Wimbledon recently. BBC Sport have more on the story.
1609: There is a kiss and a high-five as Giles hands over to Sarah Crichton, 31, who has given up her weekend mornings for the the past 10 years to teach swimming to young children with disabilities and behavioural problems.
When she's not teaching, she steps up in her role as a lifeguard to make sure they are safe during visits to the local reservoir, at swimming parties and charity swimathons.
1612: We just caught a glimpse of 12-year-old Ella Barnes taking the torch before the vehicle convoy split away. We are likely to be unable to see the torch visit Canterbury Cathedral Precincts but will have photos later.
Canterbury Council tweeted this photo of the crowds waiting at Christchurch Gate.
1618: Due up now is 18-year-old Thomas Clues, who is used to being in the spotlight after starring in school plays, compering talent shows and winning a National Youth Theatre drama prize. He was born with cystic fibrosis and his lungs now work at about 50% capacity. At the age of eight he was treated for acute myeloid leukaemia.
1625: Canterbury Cathedral's history goes back to 597AD when St Augustine established his seat in the city.
In 1170 Archbishop Thomas Becket was murdered in the cathedral and ever since the site has attracted thousands of pilgrims, with their stories most famously recounted in Geoffrey Chaucer's Canterbury Tales.
Canterbury Castle was one of the three built on the main Roman road from Dover to London soon after the Battle of Hastings. This was the route taken by William the Conqueror during the 1066 Norman conquest of England and the castles were built to guard this important route.
1627: Our cameras are poised now on Castle St, awaiting the return of the torch from its cathedral visit.
1628: Lara Turner carried the torch through a pedestrian area but we can now see Jana Tománková.
1630: Zoe Wright is enjoying every moment with the flame, sporting a flower in her hair and a broad smile. After enduring myriad serious health problems, Zoe is always upbeat and regularly gives her time to her local Brownie pack in Orpington.
1632: Up next is another child English Channel swimmer - must be something in the water. Abby Taylor-Baptie managed the swim aged 16 and raised more than £1,500 for Demelza House Childrens Hospice. She also volunteers at her karate club where she helps teach the sport to young people.
We're heading out of Canterbury into Thanington now but the crowds remain thick.
1635: The crowds suddenly run out and Abby helps the flame back into its davy lamp for the 12 mile journey by road to Faversham.
1646: Faversham boasts the best Medieval street in England, Abbey Street, according to the town's own website. We're starting off, though, on the wonderfully named Love Lane, where lines of people are waiting.
1649: There are cheers and whistles as George Mortlock sets off at a jog. George represented Great Britain in the 2009 World Transplant Games in Australia, winning two golds a silver and a bronze medal for swimming, and the 16-year-old is also a keen golfer. Diagnosed with chronic renal failure at three days old, he received a kidney transplant just before his second birthday.
1651: Holly Stehr, who is an account manager for corporate partnerships with the International Olympic Committee, based at IOC HQ in Geneva, taps her cheek after taking the flame and George obliges with a kiss.
Holly is thoroughly enjoying herself, waving to lots of small children on the roadside.
1654: Harry Bryant suffers from brittle bones and his doctor, who nominated him, says: "He has suffered hundreds of severe and painful fractures, spending untold hours in hospital plaster theatres and the physiotherapy department."
Nevertheless, the 21-year-old completed an A-Level in PE and now works for the Chelsea Football Club Foundation community department, coaching talented players.
After a protracted exchange with Holly, he's of at a jog.
1655: BBC Kent's Phil Harrison reports that the crowds are already gathering in Challock, even though the torch is still an hour away.
1657: A bit of banter arranged on the bus beforehand: Harry takes a knee and his successor, Garry Philpott, knights him with his (thankfully unlit) torch.
Chair of his local school governors, Garry has run four London Marathons and raised money for Cancer Research and childrens charities.
1701: We're now at the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Centre, where we will take a break for the next 20 minutes, then it's on to Challock, Harrietsham and Maidstone.
1714: As a pack of pre-teen cheerleaders scamper past our camera, why not spend the next 10 minutes watching this video from BBC School Report, which sees pupils from The Bridge Academy in Hackney given an exclusive tour of the BBC studio in Olympic Park.
1722: We're off again and it looks like Tony Stonham has chosen to walk his this 300m or so, which is a surprise. Tony started running at the aged of 52. Now 75, he has run the London Marathon 16 times and run from Land's End to John O'Groats in 30 days - to raise money for Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary, the Meningitis Trust and Demelza House hospice, among other charities.
1724: "Come on Faversham, let's hear you!" shouts a rather enthusisastic compere, and crowded Faversham obliges as Jozef Botanský takes the flame.
Jozef is waving and weaving around the road, screamed on by the crowd.
1727: Suresh Koralage takes over but we won't get to see much of him as there is a split between the vehicle convoy and the runners near Faversham Station.
1729: There is a band of drums and banjos, and a big crowd waiting near the Railway Hotel on East St as the next torchbearer, Rahul Patel, emerges and a few home-made torches by the roadside as he heads down the hill.
1731: A man on bouncy stilts appears back on the main road just in front of the torchbearer - quick out of the way.
1734: Taking over now is Rebecca Swan who turns and gives a 180 degree wave to the growing crowds.
Phil Harrison tweets: "Carnival atmosphere as Challock prepares for #setorch relay - 15 mins to go!"
1736: And Challock is next on the torch trail as the flame is put into the lantern for the short hop by road.
1743: Up ahead we're told Challock Primary School is putting on its very own version of the Olympics as the torch comes through the village - including synchronised swimming on the grass with pupils wearing shower caps, goggles, towels and flippers!
Will be watching out for that.
1748: Fifteen-year-old Beth Baxter poses for a picture, presumably with her grandfather who represented Great Britain in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics at boxing, before setting off and making her own piece of Olympic history. Bethany overcame bilateral Wilms' tumour, cancer of the kidney, and now competes in triathlons, at swimming and basketball - often raising money for charity.
1750: A torch security team member encourages drivers stopped to let the relay past to honk their horns - which they do freely.
1751: Having been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes as as six year old, William Chanter is perfectly placed to be a youth ambassador for JDRF - the charity that funds research to cure, treat and prevent the condition. Outside of this he is an accomplished 29er dinghy sailor and has achieved the bronze Duke of Edinbugh award.
1753: It seems to have gone very dark here, up ahead in Harrietsham it's only 13C, brrr. What's happened to the sunshine?
Doesn't appear to be bothering Mel Moore who has run in the London Marathon ever year for the last 21 years!
He is also a policeman, who we're told works hard for his country, plays hard and would be so proud to carry the torch.
1803: And the brollies are up, that explains the darkness then. It's also gone black on our screens as the 3G network struggles in this spot.
1806: A mixture of sunshine and showers as we head to Harrietsham.
1817: It has been announced in the last hour or so that Sir Chris Hoy will defend just two of his three Olympic titles at London 2012 as Jason Kenny has been selected ahead of him for the individual sprint. BBC Sport have more on the story.
1818: We're off again in Harrietsham, with Maria Berkyova taking the torch.
1819: Canoeist Peter Bannister is up next. The towering 17-year-old has sights set on competing in the Olympics one day and has already won a bronze in the four-man kayak at the Boulogne International Regatta.
1822: Peter passes the flame to Christine Webb, whose nomination tells us she has raised thousands of pounds for charity in recent years by taking part in the Great North Run and the London Marathon.
Chris says her future dream is to continue taking part in races and to encourage other people to take up the challenge to get fit and raise money for charity.
Crowds are three and four deep here on Ashford Rd.
1824: Former Royal Marine George Treadwell embarks on his stint with the flame. He spent two tours on the front line in Afghanistan as driver of viking armoured vehicles.
After working as an outdoor instructor, helping troubled teenagers and disabled children learn to climb and sail, George has recently joined the Gatwick Fire Service.
A couple watch him from the roof of a house, with the slates stacked around them, yet to be put in place, while a toddler stands on the roof of a car to get a better look.
1827: There may be some crowd problems here as George has stopped and there are shouts of "Move back please!" from the security team. A few yards further down the road and the flame is put back in its lamp for the mile-and-a-half trip to Leeds Castle, five miles south-east of Maidstone.
1833: Gymnast Courtney Tulloch takes the flame and sets off with a spring in his step.
Courtney won gold at the European Youth Olympic Festival in Turkey and also led the British team to victory in the International Coupe Avenir in Belgium, where he won two gold medals.
He heads through the gate and into the grounds of Leeds Castle, which proclaims itself "the Loveliest Castle in the World".
It dates back to 1119 but most of today's building dates back to the 19th century. It is built on islands in a lake formed by the river Len.
1836: Julie Aumond, a nomination of the International Olympic Committee, is the next torchbearer, jogging down the sweeping drive towards the admittedly quite lovely castle.
1838: We're into the last four torchbearers of the day. Ray Stevens is an Olympic judo player who won a silver medal in Barcelona 20 years ago and also competed in Atlanta in 1996. He also won two Commonwealth titles and is now vice-chairman of the British Judo Association London Area.
He jogs through a gateway into the castle but we expect to see it again before the evening celebration.
1842: Sarah Shephard, Olympics correspondent at Sport magazine, emerges from the castle with the torch and heads out down the drive.
There's a scrum in the distance, perhaps some more photos before the torch moves into the area where the evening celebration is taking place.
1846: Looks like Winter Olympics gold medallist Anastasiya Kuzmina has taken the flame. The 27-year-old biathlete was victorious at the 2010 Games in Vancouver and also won silver at the 2009 Biathlon World Championships.
1850: Final torchbearer of the day is scheduled to be Julia Chilcott, who has been a foster carer for the Kent County Council for more than 24 years.
Julia, 55, will light the cauldron at the end of evening celebrations.
1900: That's all we have for today, as Julia has lit the cauldron.
BBC Kent's Dominic King says: "The Olympic flame burns brightly in the county of Kent in the county town of Maidstone."
Tomorrow the torch will take in a lap of Brands Hatch - the motoracing circuit which will host Paralympic road cycling - plus a boat ride at Maidstone Rowing Club. It will also be carried by Olympic medallist Roger Black in Godalming
Right now, comedian, marathon-runner and London 2012 Ambassador Eddie Izzard is running around the Olympic Park and you can watch live on The Space.
Meanwhile, Great Britain are taking on the United States in a basketball warm-up match ahead of the Games. There is live coverage on BBC3 and the BBC Sport website.
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