THE Olympic torch made its way through the South Hams on Sunday as thousands lined the streets to see the flame on its journey to London.

Modbury drew around 4,000 people – all looking forward to watching the torch pass through.

There was a party atmosphere thanks to Modbury All Stars cheerleaders who cheered for about an hour.

Torchbearers Leah Burch and Sophie Elvin carried the flame through the town past the eight metre torch created by Modbury and District Chamber of Trade.

Modbury have set the challenge – can any other town in the country come up with something bigger or better?

Next on the journey was Kingsbridge, which was awash with blue.

Those few who were in town at 8am got a special treat as they were allowed to hold one of the torches.

Six-year-old Thomas Parkinson from Hope Cove was one lucky lad and said it was very exciting.

The flame travelled into Kingsbridge and the lead vehicle overshot the entrance to the Quay car park. There was a slight back peddle then everything was back on track as the flame came onto the Quay.

Town clerk Martin Johnson said: 'The cage football was very popular. It was two-a-side and everyone from dads to five-year-olds had a go.

'The sports day in Duncombe Park was a blast.'

Town councilor Wayne Grills said: 'Considering the tight budget we had to work with and the very small group of people involved in the co-ordination of the Kingsbridge events, I was extremely happy with the outcome.

'Kingsbridge will always do me proud. The entire town was out and made a huge amount of noise.

'Thanks to Cllr Wingate and a couple of helpers for the bunting going up at 7am on the Sunday, the police cadets for being incredibly helpful throughout the day, the KCC samba band for being loud, the stewards for being so keen to help out, but most of all, the towns people for coming out so early on a Sunday and making a huge amount of noise!

Kingsbridge mayor Cllr Irene Jeeninga said: 'I have never seen the town so crowded.

'Everyone was very good-natured which created a lovely, happy atmosphere.

'The sports day in Duncombe Park went really well and there were lots of medals handed out to the children.'

'There was also a special welcome for the torch from Kingsbridge in Bloom, in the form of a wonderful floral torch, created for us by Lisa Davis of Studio Flowers.

'Lots of people including the town crier took up the photo opportunity, and will no doubt take home memories of a very happy day in a town which takes pride in itself.'

Alison Morris and Beth South carried the torch through West Charleton where villagers and visitors had been enjoying breakfast baps in the village hall.

Graham Allen, chairman of Charleton Parish Council, said: 'It was very busy, there was a great turnout and the weather held.

'After Beth South had run her leg she came back to the Ashburton Arms with her family and joined us for a drink.'

In Chillington there were plenty of flags being waved as Kieran Dyer, Philip Crook and Sylviane Gauche carried the flame through that village, which was decorated with bunting and flags.

The anticipation in Torcross grew as crowds waited for a glimpse of the torch with enthusiastic cheers for all of the buses, cars and police motorcyclists which passed through.

The Olympic flame was carried through the village by torchbearers Adam Smith, Charlotte Leadbeatter and Jean Pinci with cameras flashing in all directions as visitors captured the moment to take home.

With the torch then making its way along the line the party continued with Punch and Judy, games on the beach and competitions with Endurance Life.

Organisers were thrilled with the huge numbers of people who lined Torcross for the spectacle and many of them stayed on the beach for the remainder of the day, making the most of all the entertainment on offer.