Thousands line city's streets for Olympic Torch relay

Buy photos » Coventry's Olympic cauldron is lit. Picture by Jon Mullis 27.012.014.cov.jm2

THOUSANDS of people turned out to see the Olympic Torch pass through the city yesterday.

It arrived in War Memorial Park at the end of a busy day 44 of the relay which also saw it go from Birmingham though Solihull, Redditch, Stratford, Warwick, Leamington and Kenilworth.

Huge crowds watched as the convoy arrived in Coventry city before heading into the park where the cauldron was lit and the crowds enjoyed some local entertainment.

Our reporter Matt Bates was invited to join the convoy on board the bus of sponsor Lloyds TSB.

Superintendent Steve Graham, in charge of this evening"s policing operation, said: "It's been a great weekend, allowing thousands of people to thoroughly enjoy this once in a generation experience right across the region.

"The arrival of the Olympic torch relay in the West Midlands has been enjoyed by tens of thousands of people along the route, all of whom have entered into the spirit of this great occasion.

"Thousands of people gathered in the War Memorial Park as the flame arrived and was celebrated with more great performances on stage.

"It has been great to see so many different agencies working closely together, with local authorities, transport providers, London 2012 and officers from all four regional forces working to ensure that the entire weekend has passed off safely and securely, allowing as many people as possible to enjoy this extraordinary event.

"We still continue to receive great feedback from the public about the policing and general organisation of the relay through the region has been hugely positive and is a testament to the hard work of all involved in making this Olympic event happen."

Among the torchbearers was Coventry's Chloe Pahnke.

The 12-year-old is one of Coca-Cola’s 1,300 Future Flames - a campaign which recognises and rewards the positive contributions young people make every day in their communities.

She was selected for her passion for fencing.

"I have been taking my fencing very seriously, taking part in all competitions and hoping to go to a fencing camp in the holidays so that I get expert help to come one step closer to my goal of competing in the Olympic Games," Chloe said.

More reaction and pictures to follow.

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