South West Olympic Torch

tonight. Under a lot of loud music. Fingers crossed, we won't miss a

History was made when the torch arrived at the National Sailing

Academy earlier. That is the last Olympic venue that the same will

visit before London. As you may have seen earlier, it got an

amazing reception. Justin and victory are still there for us.

Hollow! Carlo!

Were we're very careful some we're being buffeted by the rain and the

wind. The torch has stayed alight, though. It came in here not so long

ago. It was brought along the pontoon and then it was whisked

away from Katrina Hughes to Rodney Pattisson MBE.

A despite the horrendous weather here tonight, hundreds of people

lined the key to take part in this momentous occasion. This is an

Olympic venue. We are fortunate enough in the south-west to have a

bit of the Olympic Games, which are largely based in London, taking

place here in the south-west at this wonderful sailing academies.

That is why so many people are keen to turn out and show their support

for the Olympic flame this evening. The hope the weather is better come

27th July! But the flame is on its way to Weymouth beach. It will be

sailed across there and transferred to a boat and hopefully arrive that

Thank you! As I mentioned before, This is day 55 of the 70-day relay

around Great Britain. The Olympic flame has travelled around 5,500

miles since it set off from Lands End just under two months ago. Then

the South West gave it an almighty send off and in very different

conditions, thousands have turned out again today to welcome it back

to the region. Weymouth, of course, has a special

link with the Olympics. The bay here is considered by the Royal

Yachting Association as the best for sailing in Northern Europe. And

its that credential that has helped bring the Olympics to the very

heart of West Dorset. The torch left the the Olympic Venue the

National Sailing Academy just over 15 minutes ago.

Our reporter Hamish Marshall has been following it's journey from

the air. Hamish, how's it looking? A things are looking windy and wet!

We are expecting the torch to arrive around the corner. As soon

as we see it, you will be the first to know. We have had sight of the

crowd, though! This is pretty remarkable! Given the weather

conditions, anyway. I was going Dowse cow they are, but it is

fairly clear. Plenty more from here they from in the programme.

There are in good spirits! Thousands of people have lined the

streets of towns and villages across the counties do bulk and the

Olympic flame and tear on those very brave torch bearers.

The penultimate torch-bearer is now in the bay. 20 will Ryan hopes was

nominated for his work in the community here in Weymouth. He will

be handing over to Di Ludlow, he is waiting for us on the beach.

Michael Johnson spot a visit Stonehenge in Wiltshire and it

arrived in Dorset just after nine. It arrived in West Dorset this

lunchtime, travelling through daughter Esther and along the world

famous Jurassic coast. Each day, the tortoise on the road for about

12 bars and covering around 100 miles. At its first night in Dorset,

it will be celebrated here on the beach with a fireworks display.

This silver medal is awarded to It was fantastic to see everybody

Crichton-Stuart on a. It is great to see everyone together. -- che or

it on. I am very proud of it. really takes than her side having

Absolutely fantastic. I am drenched, I loved every minute of it. I loved

the crowd and the turnout. Good weather has been terrible, but that

What an amazing video! And look what we can see if we look out

there. Goods are so synonymous with this

place, and it is so lovely to see them here.

They have not been here long, but they're looking fantastic. They're

bringing the torture over here and we are so pleased to see them. --

bringing in debt torch. There are all beginning to line-up

so that Di Ludlow can run past him. I know how that feels. You get so

emotional. You ran in Herefordshire when the

weather was very different, didn't you?

The sun was shining in the first week in Devon and Cornwall. It was

fantastic. Look at you go!

I am not a runner! And you're not doing badly.

At look at the crowd. Was it quite emotional doing that?

It was. The people I was actually running myth, this amazing grip of

7,000 people, with the most incredible story that you have all

been hearing about. It has galvanised the whole country.

Everyone feels like they have had a hand begin the torch to London.

Of course, you're now an Olympic ambassador. Can we briefly take you

back to Moscow in 1980 where it all started?

My last Games were in 1976. London is like tenth. I am most excited

about this one. You have got to do something very

different and get those running shoes on and make your way over to

the main stage, haven't you? So that you can be with Di Ludlow when

see lights the cauldron. I will see you later.

Brilliant. Good luck! Running with the torch has a very

special honour and it is not just reserved for Olympians. Today

endorse it, around 90 people have carried to the flame through the

counties. All of them were nominated for being inspirational

Cooking, cleaning and looking after his youngest siblings from the age

of 11. Andrew McNulty had to grow up fast. He spent most of his

teenage years supporting his mum, who was seriously ill. He never

moaned about it. He never mowed that his friends were going out and

he was stuck at home. He is just amazing. Without him, I do not know

how would have coped. I do not really think I have done that much.

I think anyone would do it when it is their mum. She would do the same

for me, so why not do the same for her? He would do anything for

anyone. He puts other people first but he does not even seem to see it.

It is just natural for him. As a mum, I'm just so proud of them.

so are his brothers and sister. are really happy that he gets to

run. I am happy that he gets to do And there is a rather misty, rather

wet view of Penny, and the boat that is bringing the Olympic torch

over to the beach. Ryan hope is carrying it. The roars are doing a

marvellous job and holding it steady. It is quite a challenge for

them to be out there in these conditions. It is time we had a

chat to some of the thousands of people who have braved the rain and

turned out for the seeping's torch celebration. Simon is on the beach.

Can you hear me, Simon? Yes, I can hear Ye! Welcome back to

the beach party but almost never was. The organisers and the crowds

would not let that happen. We're still waiting for the boat to come

in. I can just see it out to my right. As we wait for it, let's

talk to Nora McNulty. Your son was carrying the torch.

He is an amazing kid. He is 17 and has spent the last five years

looking after me. I have had a few urological operations. He has just

been amazing. I have got other younger children. He has overcome a

lot in his life. He was paralysed down one side when he was five, but

nothing gets him down. Why have pushed him on to be such a

great part of the community? He is such a driven could. I do not

know what drives him on. He has just been told that he will have a

hip replacement for he is 30. He was going to be a firefighter and

that has disrupted it. He has started the mechanics course. In

five years' time, he is opening his own MoT base. I am so proud, you

cannot believe it. He is amazing. A thank you. This sort is bringing

people physically closer to the Olympics and emotionally closer as

well. -- this debauch. It is about inspiring another generation.

Kenyans by another generation and the rain? We have been finding out.

Added good old British Summer Time. Where better to spend dead than

here at the seaside as the Olympic flame rolls into Weymouth. Are

people here feeling inspired? Heavy rain, but no heavy hearts. It just

seems to bring out the best of British.

We are dressed suitably for the weather with a poncho and a

Wellington boots. And a matching umbrella as.

Have you not been put off by the rain?

I have waterproof gear. I am fine. We like coming out.

Down on the beach, the only game being played was a treasure hunt.

A keep going, and you have to bury There was plenty of competitive

spirit. I want to bury it!

Not a soul to be saved on the beach here, but Excite and nonetheless.

It is going to bring a lot of big crowds to the area. Obviously, it

some of the events are happening in our harbour.

But what of this Olympic dream to inspire a generation to take up

sport? What are you best at doing?

Just running. Are you fast?

Yes. How fast? Faster than my sister.

That's good. A damp but not totally dispirited.

Weymouth's day in the sun will be here soon.

It is very hard to see, but I can tell you that the flame is

definitely on pennies. I thought it was on before, but it isn't. It is

so misty and rainy, but it is there now, as you can see. They're just

doing the transpire from the convoy vote under the flame is going to

make its way to show were on the boat. You can just see it

flickering eyes. Then Di Ludlow will make her run to the stage to

light the cauldron. We will see you'll soon!

Team GB sailors are with me now. Thank you for coming along. This is

where you are based, isn't it? What you think of all these people

turning up at her office? Yet, I'm really impressed. That is

obviously spectacular bad weather today, but it is brilliant to see

everyone makes it inevitable stop it is obviously a huge honour for

the area and really important that we start getting people and

children especially really excited about the Olympics. We are going to

be done quite a good show for every one out in the water.

What do you think about the torch relay? Do you think it inspires

children? Absolutely. We missed out,

unfortunately. We were training appear and the torch gains to

Exeter not long ago. The weather was considerably better than it is

here and there was a massive turnout. We happened to be training

so they could not be a party that. But it is amazing to be a party

that today. There was a huge turnout and it is fantastic.

They don't mind the rain, do they? You have been sailing today, what

Stevie and Ben's partnership was formed in Exmouth more than 20

years ago. World and European championship victories in the 49 a

class have been recorded since but an Olympic medal has eluded them

and remains the ultimate dream. Four years ago in Beijing, they

finished a disappointing 9th. But this time, with a bit of royal

support, their newly named boat may well take them to the podium in a

few weeks' time. It is called A lovely Rita. It is a song by the

Beatles. We go with female names. The Beatles were the most

successful British band ever. We thought if we tied it together we

would have a lot of luck in the summer, that is the series.

pair get their Olympic campaign under way on 30th July with the

all-important middle way -- medal Sorry about that break in

transmission, it is the high winds and that was a delight. Really

sorry about that. We are still here. We saw you with your boat being

launched. Get you with your royal connections? We did pretty well. We

thought we had safety -- sailing royalty, Ben Ainslie was supposed

to clinch the boat but Prince Charles was in the Sailing Academy

and had a beer ready for him and he went for it and that was it.

watched it was beer? It was only a little boat. If it is a big boat,

it is champagne. It is more British, it was a Dorset ale, called Dorset

Ale. Better than French champagne. I will ask you about the Olympics,

the medal, it has eluded you. Is this the year, home waters? A week

-- we like to think so. We are maybe not in as good a position

this time but we believe we are in a bed -- we are in a better

position. Power sailing has come on massively. We have been pushed

harder by the rest of the GB squad and we are in a good position to

bring home a medal. Fantastic, I know you have been world champions

and we love you two in the South West. Really good luck. Oh my word,

look, they're getting close to us. We have a good view but Simon

Clemison has a better view. Let's hand over to him, if we can. What

can you see, Simon? Well, we can see the boat coming in now. We

think it is about two-and-a-half minutes away. Let's find out how

excited the crowds are. This boat is coming in? CHEERING. Despite the

wind and the rain, let's take a look at the lady who is going to

take the torch on from here. You are looking at Di Ludlow. She is

going to carry the flame up to the cauldron on the stage. She is

taking off her poncho now. This is a very British occasion. Let me

tell you something about Di Ludlow. It was her late husband who

inspired the Weymouth and Portland Sailing Academy. It was built

before the Games arrived here Weymouth and Portland. It is a very

important part of legacy here in Dorset. About a minute and a half

away. Look, there is the flame, right in front of me now. Eight

arms are open wide, there is a wave and cheer from the crowd. You are

looking at Ryan Hope. The Ryan Hope is an amazing young man, 14,

serving his community on Western come on Portland, he is now a local

councillor and still a very young man indeed, as you were about to

see. He has been serving his community, raising money for

charity. Just one of the 8,000 inspirational stories which have

brought these Games so close to everyone else. Dorset does need

this torch, it needs this torch to arrive and unite that unity. If you

come here, let's have a look at him arriving, here he is. There we go.

There we are. Here he comes. He is going to step off the boat. This is

Ryan Hope you are looking at on BBC One, an Olympic torch special from

the coast of Dorset. Here he comes, stepping on to the sands of

Weymouth. An historic, classic seaside destination. CHEERING.

quick wave to the crowd. This is There we go, Ryan's torch lights

Di's torch. Is it lit? It looks as if it is. It looks lit to me. It is

a very delicate moment, particularly here in Weymouth

because, there it is! Di Ludlow carries the Olympic torch above her

head. We are running along with her. She is taking it towards the stage.

She will like the Coldra. This is so important for Dorset. This is

the moment they have waited seven years for. Di Ludlow is about to

bring it to them, here on Weymouth Beach. This historic seaside

destination. Watch her go, back to Natalie Foster a do you know, Di

Ludlow said she would not run and she has! Magnificent. She is making

her way to the stage very quickly. I thought she was going to take

longer than that. Great scenes, isn't it? Fantastic. They have

Chariots of Fire playing. I wonder if the theme tune to Baywatch might

be appropriate with the running on the beach. The couple did a

fantastic job for the area, one of the premier sailing venues in the

world and without their input it would not have happened. Fantastic.

Di was now won the stage. She is waving, looking happy. She must be

so proud today. We will hand over to the stage now. They are about to

Five, four, three, two, one. Light The Coldra has been let. Let me

hear you geer. -- the cauldron has been lit. Let me hear you cheer. It

is my pleasure to introduce a Olympic medallists and presenter of

the BBC, it is Sharron Davies. Let's give her a round of applause.

She will interview at a final torch-bearer. Hello, Weymouth.

Thank you for turning out on such a horrible, rainy day. You are

absolutely amazing. You are live on BBC television. Well done, Diane.

Well done. Your husband, who is sadly not with us any more, would

be very proud of you, wouldn't it? This is absolutely fantastic. I

wish he could see all the work he has done, that has been achieved.

We have got the academy and we have got the Olympics. Yes, we certainly

have. Two weeks, tell us about what Bill did to bring the academy here

12 years ago? Well, when the Navy left Osprey Quay in 2000, Bill was

determined that that terrier, with the sea frontage, should be used on

maritime purposes and sailing -- that area. Between him and various

other people the academy was set up and it is fantastic institution we

have here today. So many people are able to use it and sale and getting

a lot of young people on the water is absolutely inspirational.

certainly is. Are we going to have success in the sailing? Of course.

Our sailors are second to none. They will sweep the board. They

have had some good practice. You have been hiding your light under a

bushel because you do a lot of work for the RNLI, don't you? I have

been fund-raising for the RNLI since 1973 and with a very good

team in Weymouth, we do raised quite a lot of money for the RNLI.

It is such a fantastic organisation and we have a brilliant crew down

here. Well done to you. Thank you very much. You did it beautifully,

She certainly did do it beautifully and she has got a lot of faith in

you sailors, has she? A nice moment, wasn't it? Fantastic. The Olympic

Games in Britain, London is going to be amazing but the fact there is

some down here in the South West makes it special for us and she has

done a huge amount of work. It is a great honour, a thoroughly deserved

for her. Weren't they brave, bringing in the torch by gig in

this weather? Absolutely. It was not quite as rough as this this

morning when we were out but it was impressive that they kept it drive.

Di MAP -- Di did it because of her husband, Bill, but if it was not

for them we would not have had the Sailing Academy here, would we?

it used to be a naval base, now it is a fantastic facility. We travel

around the world and perhaps the weather in the south of France or

Australia is a little bit nicer than it is here today, in terms of

sailing it is just a great place. You want fair winds and good

facilities and the Sailing Academy in Portland has got it all. It is a

really premier venue. How special is it to be sailing the Olympics in

your home waters? All the more special, China was an image -- an

amazing experience but we were a long way from Beijing and here, the

torch is an ideal example of how much it has become part of the

nation. It is more than a London Olympics. It is a full English Alun

Hicks, a British Olympics, sorry, it is amazing. It looked all the

torch bearers tomorrow in Dorset and good luck to all the South West

Olympians -- good luck to the torch I have just got this image, to

compete and be successful at the It is going to be a photo finish.

Right on the line. If someone had said to me four years ago you were

going to be a strong contender in the 2012 London Olympics, I

probably would have said, in my I was doing something I love to do.