Torch Relay: Winterbourne Abbas to Burton Bradstock

The road was reopened just hours before the torch procession passed through.

Winterbourne Abbas was recently hit by flooding but villagers didn’t let even more rain ruin the big day.

Thomas Hardye student Tom Hartley of Dorchester was the first torchbearer to run through the village.

His dad John said Tom, 15, ‘does all the right things,’ adding: “Me and Tom’s mum nominated him because you hear a lot of reports about problems with youths.

“Tom is a fantastic young man who brings home straight As, looks after animals and does arts and drama.

“We nominated him on behalf of all his peers.”

Wimborne resident Natasha Jones was the next torchbearer to pick up the flame.

She beat leukaemia and runs a charity to support other sufferers. Her mum Wendy Carter lined the route to see her daughter run.

She said: “I’m so proud and so emotional.

“Natasha deserves this so much. She works 80 or 90 hours a week with it. She’s amazing.”

Vicar Andy Rimmer took up the torch for the last leg and entertained the crowd by striking several poses. The Wimborne resident was chosen for his tireless enthusiasm working in the local community.

Bridport: 14.46 - 15.08

Enthusiasm for the Olympic Torch relay could not be dampened by the torrential downpour.

The streets of Bridport were lined with flag waving, balloon wielding men, women and children who were determined with true British grit to enjoy this once in a lifetime experience even though planned entertainment in Bucky Doo Square had to be cancelled.

Town clerk Bob Gillis was pleased at the smooth-running of the relay, although surprised by how many turned up in the wet.

Town crier Jane Silver-Corren orchestrated a singing group by the town hall and music entertained the waiting hordes.

Sheila Meaney’s school partnership runners did a splendid job before the torch came and its slight delay saw them run the route both ways.

Chideock: 15.13 - 15.21

HOT coffee and cake kept spirits high as Chideock welcomed the torch in the rain.

Volunteer Elizabeth Grant said: “We’ve been working very hard for a while on this – it’s a shame about the rain.

“The children from Symondsbury Primary School were supposed to walk up through the village, but the rain has meant they’ve had to arrive in cars. Nevertheless, we’re all very excited.”

Colourful flags decorated houses, railings and signs. As the torchbearers ran through the village, there were huge cheers from the crowds.

Torchbearer Paul Thompson, aged 46, said: “The atmosphere is fantastic. I’m so happy to have this opportunity. All my family are here to cheer me on – this is a moment I’ll never forget.”

Even Val Heard, who had a broken foot, managed to brave the pouring rain.

She said: “I would like to say I broke my foot doing something Olympic – like high jumping – but in actual fact, I just slipped and fell.

“Nevertheless, that won’t stop me celebrating and nor will the rain. I have tickets for the Paralympics in September and I can’t wait.

“It’s once-in-a-lifetime stuff.”

Best friends Hetty Erwrcker, aged 10, Megan Baylis, eight and Duschka Vincent-Janes, nine, took shelter in a bus stop as they waited for the torch.

Hetty said: “We were allowed to leave school early to come and watch. We’re very excited.”

Lyme Regis: 15.35 - 16.05

CROWDS braved the rain to cheer on torch bearers through the streets of Lyme Regis.

Jayne Fox, of Beer, Paddy Coker, of Blandford, and Clive Allison, of Poole, carried the flame through packed streets.

Pupils from St Michael’s Primary School and Woodroffe School were among those lining the route and to welcome the runners at the Cobb.

Mayor Sally Holman said: “It brought out a real spirit of camaraderie and Lyme Regis triumphed over the weather.”

Mr Allison carried the torch only a short way along the Cobb because of the weather and a post torch party was cancelled.

Burton Bradstock: 16.49 - 17.00

Inspirational Betty Port smiled through the pouring rain as she carried the torch through the village.

The team curate of St Andrew’s Church in Preston has been practising for weeks by carrying a rolling pin through the streets.

Mrs Port said she had received some strange looks from passers-by when she was out for her 4k runs.

The former Deputy Headteacher of All Saints School in Wyke Regis was joined on the leg through Burton Bradstock by Sandra Bowers and Rosie Barfoot.

Among the crowds were people from outlying areas near the village and even one all the way from Australia.

Both local pubs, The Anchor and the Three Horseshoes, did a roaring trade before and after the torch came through the area just before 5pm.