Olympic Torch Relay: Corfe Castle (From Bournemouth Echo)

Olympic Torch Relay: Corfe Castle

9:47am Saturday 14th July 2012 in News

HISTORIC Corfe Castle provided the perfect backdrop for the Olympic Torch Relay’s first foray into Daily Echo territory.

With the castle looming over the village, 3,000 residents came out in force to do Corfe proud.

Among the first runners of this latest leg of the Olympic Torch Relay were Sam Cousins, aged 18, of Wareham and 49-year-old Bournemouth woman Val Mylechreest.

Anticipation had been building long before the torch passed through this picture-postcard village, en-route to neighbouring Swanage.

Local pub landlord Mark Turner said: “It was absolutely fantastic. People were thronging the streets, in the square and all the way through the village. There was a real carnival atmosphere.”

Mark was even giving out free soup to spectators.

One special spectator, Debbie Cousins, mum of torch-bearer Sam Cousins, said: “He was nominated by his sister and it was a real proud moment for all of us. I’m taking him back to Wareham later and we’ll have a bit of a party.”

Sam’s sister Kate, aged 21, said: “It was really exciting watching him carry the torch. He looked really proud to be carrying it and all the little kids were getting excited when they had photos with him.”