THE Olympic Torch received a rapturous welcome into Bournemouth town centre from the thousands of families who lined the route.

Onlookers leaned over the Boundary Road bridges and lined both sides of the road as the Olympic flame was carried through Ensbury Park and into Redhill.

Among those cheering on the torchbearers were the proud family of 15-year-old Ashleigh Stock, one of 10 Bournemouth School for Girls’ pupils given the honour of bringing the flame into Bournemouth.

Her grandfather David Strowger said: “This is a lovely opportunity for her.

"She’s the most dedicated netball player there is and really deserves this. We’re going to have a big barbecue later to celebrate.”

The event brought many families together to share the occasion.

Keen to witness a little piece of history were Ray and Julia Meaden, who were there with four generations of their family.

Julia, of Bournemouth, said: “We will never see another Olympics in this country in our lifetime so we’re making the most of it.”

Other torchbearers included 47-year-old Jenny Dale, the first woman in Dorset to have donated one of her kidneys, and 21-year-old Victoria Millett, a successful swimmer and javelin thrower.