The Olympic Torch in Wales

I was out and about today, keen to grab at least one series of photos showing the Olympic Torch Relay for the 2012 Games.

The torch was due to pass through the Welsh village of Pontnewynydd, just north of Cwmbran, on it's way to the city of Newport.

I chose this spot for two reasons, one being a local lad was due to carry the flame through this section of the route and second it was the only day and time this week that I could get free.

First there was the wait, nearly three hours in the hot sun.  But that did not put anyone off.  The crowds appeared happy to wait for this historic moment no matter what the weather, but all were glad there was no rain.

There was a very large visible police presence, but they were very friendly and did nothing to hamper the spirit of the day, with several police cars and motorbikes passing the crowds and waving while blasting out their sirens, much to the delight of everyone.

At long last there was some sign of activity. First came a large number of police bikes, motorbikes first followed a short while later by push bikes.  Then came several sponsor buses, Coke, Samsung and then Lloyds.  All making noise and exciting the crowd.

It was then that I noticed the local boy who was going to do the hand over at this stage.  He was dressed in white and holding the gold torch that the flame would be passed to.  He was joined by an official who used some sort of key to activate his torch, just before the current torch bearer was seen cresting the hill.

The current torch bearer was a young girl, who walked along the roads to a great shouting from the crowds she passed.

She came to the young boy and the handing over of the flame took place without incident.  The young lad was very keen to make a good show of his participation in the event and took off up the road at a great pace.

Lining the road was a large party of school children, from his class at Llyswerry High School in Newport, who cheered him on with great enthusiasm.

The lad and the torch then passed out of the village and out of sight and the crowds soon dispersed, each attendant now able to say ' I was there' when the story is told in the days and months to come.