THE Torch Relay arrived in Parkstone to crowds who had been enjoying an afternoon of fun in the park.

Tina Stacey, watching with Regan Chappell, aged four, got into position 90 minutes early.

“We wanted to get a good spot,” she said.

Gillian Grimsley, watching with Joshua, five, and Jake, two, said: “It’s been brilliant.

“Joshua has been studying it at Lilliput School. He’s been able to tell me where the flame is, who’s carrying it and all about the Olympics.”

Alex Fellows, of Parkstone, said: “It was great fun. My son Harry, who’s four, really enjoyed it and all the bits before.”

The afternoon’s activities had included boule, races, African drumming and a teddy bears’ picnic with the Mothers’ Union.

The Rev Roger Bayldon said: “It’s been another one of those days where the church and the community get together, which is always so wonderful to see.”

Crowds lined Bournemouth Road and Alder Hills as the torch headed to Wallisdown.

It passed a community celebration at Branksome Recreation Ground, where the fun had included stalls, a tae kwon do demonstration and a bouncy castle.

Onlookers at Wallisdown included a large contingent from Alton to cheer on 92- year-old Tony Chivers, who represented Britain and the Empire as an athlete from 1947-50.

Proud neighbour Betty Plant said: “You don’t see many 92- year-olds doing something like this. It’s amazing.”

Large numbers of local schoolchildren, including many from St Mark’s School also lined the route.

Grandmother Ginny Dean, there with daughter Kelly Atkinson and grandchildren Morgan and Milly, said: “It is such a special event.”