Olympic torch relay: Full steam for London from Leicestershire

With tears of joy, relatives of 64-year old torch-bearer Harry Wells were bursting with pride as he carried the Olympic flame on the latest leg of its journey to London.

His 86-year-old mum, Martha, daughter Amanda and sister Jane Preston were among the family members who turned out to show their support as he carried the torch down Market Street and into Market Place, Loughborough.

Chosen for his dedication to sport in the town, Harry received huge cheers as he ran past the crowds.

"It was fantastic," he said.

Martha, of Shelthorpe, said words could not describe her feelings at seeing her son becoming a part of history.

"I'm just thrilled to bits for him," she said. "He's good lad, the best you could get.

"He really deserved this. I'm so proud and to see him running here today."

The family were wearing matching T-shirts bearing Harry's face.

Jane, 41, of Birstall, was cheering him on with her daughters Daisy, six, and Mollie, 11.

Mollie said: "I got sore legs from standing because we got here very early to get a good spot, but it was worth it. We're really proud of him."

Jane said: "We were all very emotional. There were lots of tears."

Other people who carried the flame through the town centre included 13-year-old James Calvert-Gooch, of Loughborough – nominated for his work helping to train younger children in football – and 12-year-old James Barker, also of Loughborough, chosen for being an inspirational role model at school.

Spectators starting massing in Loughborough before 8am – over three hours before the flame arrived.

About 400 students from Loughborough High School were among the thousands of people who lined the streets.

Head girl Sarah French said the school had been buzzing before the big day.

"We're never going to see this again," she said.

"You can see things like this on TV but not many people get the chance to see it in person.

"The atmosphere was really good, there was a lot of noise."

Friends Barbara Lilley and Marion Stanley, of Shepshed, were in the crowd near the Town Hall.

"We wouldn't have missed it for the world," said Barbara. "Everything about the day has been fantastic."

Meanwhile, Olympic champions of yesteryear and 2016 Games hopefuls were among those who gathered at Loughborough University to cheer on the torch as it wound its way around the campus.

Team GB ambassador Sir Clive Woodward, a former Loughborough University student, was among the famous faces.

He said: "I come to Loughborough a lot because the preparation camp for the Olympics is here.

"It's fantastic to see everyone so enthused about this.

"The torch is the ultimate symbol of the Olympics and I hope that bringing it here it will act as a catalyst for participation in sport."

He was flanked by hurdler David Hemery, a fellow ambassador and gold medallist at the 1968 Games in Mexico City. He said: "It's a real privilege to be here and take in the atmosphere.

"It's exciting to think we're surrounded by the stars of the future."

A roar went up from the crowd as Audrey Cooper, head coach for Great Britain's Olympic volleyball team, who competed in the Atlanta Olympics in 1996, came into view with the torch.

She said: "It's been absolutely phenomenal.

"The support along the route and the cheers have been amazing."

Audrey passed to torch to hammer thrower Sophie Hitchin, 21, a London 2012 competitor who has been training at the university's preparation camp.

She said: "This is something I'm going to treasure for the rest of my life."

Loughborough resident Nikki Ranzetta, 41, got up at 6am with her daughter Emma, 13, to watch the spectacle.

She said: "It's a moment in history and I wanted to make sure I caught it along with my daughter."

From Loughborough, the flame was taken to Hoton and then Wymeswold.

Junior doctor Beth Goundry, 26, of Leicester, was one of the bearers in Hoton, having been nominated for her dedication to her patients.

In Wymeswold, Hugglescote man Ted Collins carried the torch after being nominated by his wife for his dedication to his church.