PEOPLE turned out in huge numbers across the county as the Tour de France hurtled through Kent in a flash of colour on Sunday.

There was a carnival atmosphere and plenty of cheering, clapping and flag waving as around 1.5million spectators lined the route and gave the riders a warm welcome.

The 189 riders left Greenwich at 11am to race the 126-mile route to Canterbury, reaching the finishing line shortly before 3.50pm.

The riders raced through Gravesham and the cathedral city of Rochester, before passing through Maidstone, Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells.

The field then headed through Tenterden and Ashford before heading for Canterbury.

IN DARTFORD spectators waited in the baking heat at Home Gardens as the cyclists passed at about 11.30.

Spectator Peter Corbett said: "I wasn't surprised that the cyclists passed so quickly. I'm a cyclist myself and I know these guys go very fast.

"We only live at Temple Hill so it was very handy for the race to be so close to us."

Spectators packed GRAVESEND'S town centre precinct as the Tour de France flew past at about 11.45am.

IN MEDWAY it was party time as Le Tour de France finally arrived. Keen spectators, eager to claim a prime roadside view, took up their positions as early at 8am.

Amongst the first to arrive were 40 members of Southend Wheelers cycling club who set up camp at Boley Hill, Rochester.

One of their members, 77-year-old Roy Godbeer, has been involved in cycle racing since childhood. He was over the moon to see Le Tour on British soil.

He said: "It's a brilliant event and there's a brilliant atmosphere. I hope it inspires people to take up cycling, because it's a great sport."

Hundreds flocked to see Le Tour depart from London on the four giant screens throughout the Towns.

Le Tour's passage from Strood to Rochester only took 20 minutes but for many of the people watching it was a dream come true.

Chris Leeks from Sittingbourne celebrated with a glass of champagne. He said: "I've been into cycling for more than 30 years and to see the Tour in Britain is amazing. It's such a massive sporting event I never thought it would come to Kent."

IN MAIDSTONE thousands of people squeezed into the town centre to watch Le Tour's first visit to the County Town.

A deafening roar greeted the leading group, which included British cyclist David Millar. The town marked the event with a festival which included a children's funfair, a market and a beach-themed street party with live bands.

Trader Derrick Law, of Cook and Dine, said: "The difference in the atmosphere to any other Sunday is amazing. The town centre has come alive."

On-looker Peter Rigby, from Loose, added: "As a one-off event this has been spectacular."

Roars of delight greeted the cyclists in ASHFORD. A breakaway group of three cyclists whizzed past the cheering crowds who lined the streets from the centre of the town, down Elwick Road, past the International Station and the Outlet Centre at about 2.48pm.

A minute later the main body of competitors charged past - a roaring multi-coloured centipede with spinning wheels, also heading towards Kingsnorth.

Police motorcycle outriders - both from Kent and the French Gendmarie - preceeded and followed up the riders.

An hour previously crowds had embraced the caravan that came along the route throwing free gifts to delighted children, playing music and beeping horns.

The county quickly got into a continental mood thanks to the stalls selling a range of delicious European foods and drinks, while groups of musicians entertained the crowds.