by James Scott

jscott@thekmgroup.co.uk

Thousands of cheering people lined the streets of Ashford to applaud and wave flags as the Olympic Torch relay passed through the town yesterday (Wednesday).

The route along Elwick Road, Bank Street and the High Street was packed with school children, residents and shoppers who clapped and cheered as the flame passed just after 11am.

Lynne Oliver, 44, was given the honour of carrying the Torch through the town centre.

She said: “It was incredible, one of the most amazing moments of my life. To run through the centre of Ashford, where I have lived for most of my life, was pretty cool. There was such an amazing atmosphere, and the crowd were so supportive.”

The Torch had been carried through Hamstreet earlier in the day before being driven to Wotton Road at the Ellingham Industrial Estate in South Ashford.

Runners then carried the Torch up Kingsnorth Road, Beaver Road and Elwick Road, which were all lined with local primary school pupils, before heading into the heart of town.

After being carried up Bank Street and the High Street, the flame was taken along Hythe Road to the North School in Essella Road for a lunch break before heading to Hythe, Sandgate and Folkestone in the afternoon.

The Kentish Express out today (Thursday) contains a special 12-page souvenir picture supplement devoted to the Olympic torch's visit.