Olympic cauldron lit in Hull after huge crowds cheer torch relay through East Yorkshire

A crowd of thousands watched as the Olympic cauldron was lit in West Park.

Torchbearer Amy Hopkin, 31, had the world’s biggest smile on her face as she entered the park carrying the flame.

She walked down a specially made corridor lined with families waving flags and cheering her on.

The biggest cheer came when she got to the stage and placed the torch on the cauldron to light it.

She said it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to carry the torch and it was the “coolest” thing she has ever done.

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Before Amy arrived, the crowd had watched Britain’s Got Talent performers Twist and Pulse and Indie band Little Comets.

Lord Mayor Danny Brown also gave a speech, wishing all the Olympians the very best of luck, in particular Hull boxing hopeful Luke Campbell.

For over two hours, the Olympic Torch had been carried through the streets of Hull.

The torch started its journey in Kingswood, where hundreds of people had gathered to greet it.

Children, teachers and parents from Bude Park Primary School joined the crowds that lined John Newton Way, which made up the first leg of the route.

Teacher Katy Drinkall said: "Our theme this term has been the Olympics and we have made our own flames so it seemed too good an opportunity to miss to show the children the real flame.

"They have all been so excited."

From Kingswood, the torch made its way slowly through the streets of east Hull to Holderness Road, where torchbearers included 90-year-old "Bee Lady" Jean Bishop, a tireless charity fundraiser.

The flame was then carried into Hull city centre, Anlaby Road and, finally, West Park.

Christine Binnington, went to the park to see the cauldron being lit with her daughter, Emily, 4.

She said: "I have been trying to explain to Emily about the torch and so wanted to come down and let her see for herself. It is the chance of a lifetime because I don't know that she will ever get the opportunity again.

"It is a really great atmosphere and the weather has really made it."

Isabel Kitney, 10, of Willerby, said: "We have been studying the Olympics at school and it is really amazing to be here with the flame."

Earlier, the long-awaited torch relay arrived in East Yorkshire to bright sunshine and cheers from hundreds of people eager to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime chance to glimpse the Olympic flame.

The streets were lined by crowds up to eight deep, armed with Union Jack flags and their best voices.

Badr Alshibani was first to carry the torch along Scarborough Road.

Among those in the crowd was Veronica Robson who was dressed in yellow, raising funds for Marie Curie Cancer Care.

She said: "It has been a great turn out and it is great the torch has come through Bridlington."

In Beverley, the Minster’s bells rang out to welcome the torch as many thousands lined the route through town.

People were setting up camp in Saturday Market more than two hours before the torch’s arrival.

Schools had finished early so the town gave the torch its biggest East Riding welcome.

Screaming vuvuzelas and loud applause greeted the torch at every turn.

In Keldgate, Mayor Margaret Pinder was able to touch the torch as dignitaries holding a civic reception welcomed the parade.

One invited guest was the torch designer Jay Osgerby.

He said: “It’s fantastic to be part of it and it’s wonderful to see the torch getting such a reception.”

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