Crowds screamed and cheered with joy as Harry Potter actor Rupert Grint carried the Olympic Torch through the streets of Hendon.

Hundreds of people lined The Burroughs to catch a glimpse of Rupert, who plays Ron Weasley in the Blockbuster movies.

The sun shone brightly as the star ran from Middlesex University and along the road waving to fans caught up in the Olympic fever.

Shireen Yousefi, 13, from Whetstone, waved a handmade banner for the star along with her friends and family.

She said: “It was really exciting. It was really cool to see Rupert Grint - I'm a big Harry Potter fan.

“It was really special to see the torch here - it makes me more excited about the Games. I feel like we're a part of it now.”

Bonita Leung, 20, from Edgware said: “The atmosphere was really cheery. Everyone was really excited about the torch and Rupert – it’s a great celebration of the Games.

“I think especially after the Diamond Jubilee, everyone is in a 2012 spirit.”

Ten-year-old Annalida Jaeger was thrilled to see the torch being carried by Rupert.

New Zealander Annalida, who is visiting family in Golders Green, said: “It was extremely fun. I enjoyed it when balloons were released and seeing Rupert. It was really really cool.
“I a big big Harry Potter fan.”