Drumming divers hail Olympic Flame as torch relay leaves Hull: huge crowds in Brough and Goole

THE Olympic Torch was lit in Hull this morning to the beat of an underwater drum at The Deep.

Divers Ben James and Tom Rower beat out Hull's Olympic rhythm 10m under water at the attraction's Endless Ocean's tank before the torch was lit and carried out by Erica Hughes, 72, of Pocklington.

​Erica was nominated by her daughter, Sarah, for her charitable nursing work abroad.

Chairman of The Deep Cllr David Gemmell, told those assembled to watch the torch on the final leg of its Hull journey that organisers had said the city's response to the torch was the biggest since the relay started.

He carried on: "We are very proud to be welcoming the Torch to The Deep, which I think is the perfect backdrop for such a momentous occasion."

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More on the Olympic Torch Relay through Hull and East Yorkshire

• Day 1 round-up: Olympic cauldron lit in Hull after huge crowds cheer torch relay through East Yorkshire

• Pictures from the Olympic Torch Relay

• Your pictures from the Olympic Torch Relay

• Snapper's diary: Olympic Torch in West Hull

• Live blog from the Olympic Torch Route day 2

• Day 1 updates, pictures and information

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To coincide with the relay, The Deep is showing off its very own living torch, The Euphyllia Torch coral, an amazing species that has long flowing tentacles with glowing yellow tips.

Like the famous flame, the torch coral glows day and night making a wonderful addition to the Deep's living coral display.

(Video by emonizer, via YouTube)

Curator Katy Duke said "We're very excited to have our own living underwater torch glowing brightly whilst the Olympic Torch is travelling through our great city! We will be showcasing the corals whilst the festivities are taking place."

The crowds gathered outside the aquarium cheered the torch, which then carried on its journey across the pedestrian bridge, down Humber Street, Queen Street, Castle Street and part of Hessle Road.

It was then taken in convoy down the A63 to Brough, where crowds lined the streets to cheer the torch on its way.

Town crier Michael Wood announced its arrival in Elloughton, where, again, hundreds had gathered to watch the event.

The torch was then paraded throught the streets of Goole, where Yorkshire swimmer Eleanor Faulkner, who will represent Great Britain in the 800m freestyle at the London 2012 Olympics, was among the torchbearers.

Ellie said, via twitter, "What an amazing experience! Next me and the flame will be reunited in the Olympic Village".

Andrea Best, from Goole, stood out in the crowds with her red and blue hair and Union Jack themed outfit.

"It such a special event," she said. "It's extra special for me as my daughter Lindsey Best will be volunteering at the games at the women's football.

"And seeing the torch come to Goole is something to be really proud of."

• View and buy hundreds of Olympic Torch pictures taken by Hull Daily Mail photographers