OLYMPIC TORCH 5.12pm: Bexhill turns out to cheer on the torch

The crowds, many carrying Union Flags, were lining the seafront by the De La Warr Pavilion as far as the eye could see – and watching the fun from balconies along the prom.

Bexhill dad Hadrian, son Stuart, 12, six-year-old Clare Lear come to celebrate the torch and seeing Eddie Izzard will be a bonus.

Stuart said, “This is absolutely amazing.”

Clare added, “I’m flying the flag – I’m very excited and looking forward to seeing the torch.”

Bexhill MP Greg Barker, Mayor Joanne Gadd and other civic dignitaries turned out to cheer.

Francis Winterbourne, chairman of Caring Community, said, “This is significant and something that only happens once in a lifetime.”