Rapturous London crowds for torch (From Times Series)

Rapturous London crowds for torch

8:45am Saturday 21st July 2012 in National News © Press Association 2013

The Olympic torch has received a rapturous reception from thousands of well-wishers who rose early to mark its arrival in the Games' host city.

After being greeted by crowds all over Britain, the flame started its first full day in London at the Prime Meridian in Greenwich, in the south east of the capital.

A carnival atmosphere spread through the streets of the Olympic borough as the rain of recent weeks gave way to brilliant sunshine and bands played for the crowds.

People of all ages and many nationalities turned out for the torch as the party mood took hold around the newly restored Cutty Sark clipper.

The torch began its London journey at the meridian, at Greenwich Royal Observatory, across the river Thames from Canary Wharf and overlooking the site of the Olympics' equestrian events.

Natasha Sinha, 15, from Greenwich, who was nominated to carry the torch for her dedication to swimming and cross-country running, took the flame down into the equestrian arena.

It was then carried around Cristopher Wren's Naval College before arriving at the Cutty Sark, which has recently undergone a £50 million renovation.

Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the first person to sail solo non-stop around the world, founder of the Clipper Round the World yacht race in 1995 and a Cutty Sark trustee, ran the torch around the clipper to delighted cheers from the crowds.

The torch later made its way to Private Jaco van Gass, 25, from South Africa, who carried the flame on to the stage at the Woolwich Live Site, a screen which broadcasts local news and BBC coverage of major events, sport, arts and entertainment.

Pte van Gass, who now lives in Woolwich, lost his left arm in a rocket-propelled grenade attack while serving with the Parachute Regiment in Afghanistan in 2009.