Olympic flame enters Diocese

THOUSANDS GATHERED OUTSIDE Winchester Cathedral today to witness the Olympic torch pass metres from the ancient building, as the London 2012 flame spent the day touring much of the Diocese of Winchester.

At around 1.50pm, the gathered crowds, including the Bishop of Winchester and many members of the Cathedral community, welcomed the runners as the passing of the flame took place outside Winchester Cathedral. Excited visitors had arrived as early as 9am to secure a sought-after spot at the front by the railings to watch the torch pass.

18-year-old Kirstie Nash was the torchbearer who, running through her hometown, brought the flame to the Cathedral, before passing duties on to retired policeman Phil Blowfield.

Kirstie was selected as a torchbearer as the young carer of her sister with cerebral palsy; Phil for his village policing and his coaching of the under-15 football team in East Ilsey.

The flame passed through Basingstoke and Kings Worthy earlier today and will leave the Diocese after passing through Andover this afternoon.

For full details of the national torch relay, visit the London 2012 torch relay page

More photos from today's relay