THOUSANDS of people have been lining the streets in West Devon and further afield as the Olympic Torch Relay made its way through the area this week.

Several people from West Devon and East Cornwall were given the honour of becoming a torch bearer — and the excited onlookers turned out in force to make the event a true occasion to remember.

ADAM Tofield, head junior coach at Tavistock Athletic Club, had the honour of being part of the Olympic Torch Relay last weekend.

Adam was nominated to be a torch bearer because he is an inspiration to the young runners he coaches and supports at the club, giving up most of his free time to planning and delivering coaching sessions.

He is, as his nominator said, 'an outstanding ambassador for the sport and serves his community in an unquestioning way'.

Adam carried the torch across Laira Bridge in Plymouth last Sunday, which, despite the early hour, was lined with cheering crowds.

He said: 'It was a great honour to be selected to carry the Olympic Torch.

'The support throughout the route was unbelievable, absolutely fantastic.

'It was an amazing atmosphere — such a buzz.

'I tried not to run too fast so I could savour the moment, but the crowd pulled me along with their cheers.

'I am delighted that I had the opportunity to share this once in a lifetime special moment with so many people, and I will treasure this moment for ever.'

THE Rev Mike Lapage, of Tavistock, an Olympic silver medallist from the London 'austerity' games of 1948, carried the torch on the relay through St Austell on Saturday.

Mike, who is 88, was part of the eight-man rowing team at the last London Olympics.

He preached at the Sunday morning saervice at St Andrew's Church in Whitchurch and took the torch along to show the congregation.

FRESH from taking part in the Olympic torch relay in Plymouth at the weekend, Jessica Tait from Albaston helped to judge a competition with an Olympic theme at Delaware Primary School on Monday.

Jessica, who is a former pupil of Delaware primary, helped to select the best Olympic torch design, in a competition sponsored by Tesco, Callington.