LIVE: Olympic torch relay in Dorset (July 14) (From Bournemouth Echo)

LIVE: Olympic torch relay in Dorset (July 14)

10:00am Saturday 14th July 2012 in News

Follow live coverage as the Olympic torch leaves Bournemouth for Boscombe and Christchurch before heading into the New Forest on day 57 of its journey across the UK.

Torch relay timings by street and a list of torchbearers are here

View a street-level map of the route here

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You can see a gallery of pictures from yesterday's relay here We'll be adding more pictures today

Thanks for following the blog, don't miss Monday's Echo when we'll have more torch relay coverage and pictures and a special 16 page souvenir supplement.

9.59am: The torch has left Christchurch and is now in convoy mode on its way to Lyndhurst where it is due to arrive at 10.09am.

9.45am: Patricia Harris has just handed over the torch to Jacqui Seymour.

Jacqui is carrying the torch to huge applause and cheers from thousands of onlookers as she heads towards the Priory.

The torch will then head down Bridge Street and out of the borough as its time in Dorset ends.

9.37am: The torch procession is approaching Christchurch High Street now, behind police cars, motorcycle outriders and sirens.

Jacqui Seymour, 27-year-old teacher at St Mark’s School, has just got off the Torch Relay bus outside the Town Hall with her torch.

Jacqui, with tears in her eyes, says she is “really excited” ahead of taking up the torch in a few minutes’ time, watched by many of her pupils.

Our correspondent Andy Martin described “pandemonium” estimates there are around 7,000-9,000 people watching. The mayor is on the balcony of the Town Hall, waving a Union flag.

9.30am: The crowd clapping along with Christchurch RBL band, with some rousing Sousa.

9.27am: The torch convoy is on Barrack Road, getting nearer the town centre. Mayor Peter Hall addresses crowds from the town hall balcony. Christchurch should be very proud.

9.16am: Flame being passed on to Anne Nugant, who won BBC South Sports Personality of the Year for Voluntary Work last year.

9.15am: The torch has just arrived into Christchurch. Huge crowds at Barrack Road where Sam Flintham-Ward is dancing around with the flame!

9.05am: The torch heading towards Christchurch where the excitement is really building as thousands of people anticipate its arrival.

9.02am: The relay will visit the Isle of Wight and finishes in Southampton at 6.50pm.

9am: Just a bit of info for you fact fans; today the flame will travel 58.72 miles, carried by 94 torchbearers.

8.59am: Gerri Seymour, mum of torchbearer Jacqui, who is with dozens of children from St Mark’s School, Highcliffe, awaiting her daughter’s arrival in the High Street, said: “I’m incredibly proud of her. It’s an amazing day.” Jacqui’s fiancée Sam Fuller is also there.

8.58am: James Gray running with the torch at quite some speed in Boscombe now!

8.55am: Torchbearer Connor Dawson greeted by an enthusiastic and rather patriotic crowd in Boscombe.

8.44am: Meanwhile over in Christchurch, the crowd in the High Street is well into the thousands and there's a real party atmosphere. Mayor of Christchurch, Cllr Peter Hall: "Delighted at such huge turnout."

8.42am: 86-year-old Sydney Dean is carrying the torch now.

8.40am: Sparse numbers have grown into enthusiastic crowds in Boscombe eagerly awaiting the arrival of the torch. It's just seconds away!

8.36am: Flame is heading heading down Manor Road carried by Timothy Dence.

8.31am: "We are here because it is a once in a lifetime experience and to support the Olympics," said Vicky Costanza in Boscombe with children Olivia, eight, and Ruben, seven.

8.26am: Hundreds of people with union flags already lining the high street in Christchurch!

8.22am: Free kids breakfast at the Pokesdown Olympic Torch Relay preparation - yum!

8.21am: Children from St Mark's School in Highcliffe have come to see teacher Jacqie Seymour carry the torch through the high street.

8.19am: Numbers grow at junctions along Christchurch Road as people take photos of each other as they wait for the big moment.

8.18am: Meanwhile in Christchurch, David Thirkill from Highcliife who has turned out early, said: "This is something I just didn't want to miss"

8.12am: First handover and the convoy is moving off

8.11am: Flame coming down the pier

8.04am: The flame is arriving to light the first torch

8.04am: And here's a picture we took of Mariam Kazem-Malaki on the Pier with the Mayor.

7.58am: Our reporter Di Henderson is in Boscombe where a few people have started to turn out already.

7.55am: Excitement is building in Christchurch already says Andy Martin, with people arriving in the High St from as early as 7am. People are lining the streets already in front of the old town hall.

7.56am: Karen Seamus, from Verwood with sons Matty, eight, and Jack, five, said it was a unique opportunity for the kids to remember the Olympics and the relay showed how nice a country England was.

7.55am: Good morning everyone! Crowds have gathered by the Pier ready to see the continue its journey today. The first torchbearer at 8.08am will be Mariam Kazem-Malaki.

Torchbearers get warmed up...