The Olympic flame burns bright in Medway. And nowhere is the spirit of the games more evident than in the courage and determination of 91-year-old Rosamunde Cutler who was one of the 1,700 people who strode around the streets of Rochester in the Medway Mile on Monday evening.

It's the taking part that counts and Rosamunde demonstrated that enduring Olympian principle when she crossed the finishing line in front of hundreds of cheering participants who had waited at the Castle to give her a rousing reception.

The event was moved from the Black Lion in Gillingham which is being redeveloped as part of Medway's preparations for the 2012 games and the switch appeared to have paid off with a much bigger attendance than last year.

Participants were given the opportunity to try out some sports before the race and find out about taking up the variety of activities offered by Medway sports clubs. They were also given free access to the Castle itself, and could warm up with the steep climb to the keep!

Before the mass event, the more serious runners took part in the elite race. The Medway Mile. organised by Medway Council, will be held each year on July 27 - the date of the opening of the 2012 games.

For full details and a picture special see Friday's Medway Messenger.