AN Olympic torchbearer has thanked the people of Okehampton for their response to his appeal for pictures and video of his leg through the town.

François Meston, from Moissac in France, was the first torchbearer to carry the torch into the town on May 21, running from Moorcroft Close to Baldwin Drive, before passing the flame onto Dave Stokes.

François found it difficult to obtain pictures of the occasion, and put an appeal in the Times to ask for anyone who had photographs of his leg of the torch relay to contact him.

Both François and the Times office have received manypictures from Okehampton residents.

François said: 'Thanks a lot to everyone who sent in photographs. I have received lots of fabulous pictures.'

François was wearing number eight on his leg of the relay. If you would like to share any pictures you may have of him carrying the torch through town, you can e-mail him on [email protected]">[email protected]