Liverpool Olympic Torch

go over now to Steve Parry and Roger Johnson to welcome the

What a great prude. We will be late joining The One Show. -- Prelude.

It is all kicking off. I hope the flame has not lost its no joke.

are on the balcony of this building. Thousands in front of us. Wherever

you are watching, the cameras will It's been an incredible journey and

it's not over yet. We are here live at the Pier Head waiting to give

you the first glimpse of the torch as it takes to the water and

crosses the River on the iconic ferry across the Mersey. Some

amazing pictures from the helicopter as well. Our cameras are

on roof's and boats and planes waiting to catch the torch as it

comes to this magnificent waterfront. It is birdie to be

greeted by the thousands of people here. The We'll be talking to the

local soldier blinded in Iraq who will be bringing the torch back

home and we'll be hearing the stories of the torchbearers. Look

at that. What a view. I do not think there is a better backdrop

for the torch relay than this. is absolutely stunning. We were in

at Chester on Tuesday, Bolton last night. Wonderful welcomes but that

is special. It's unbelievable to see those pictures. I used to drive

along this road to training. To see so many excited about the Olympics,

some people pessimistic but the north-west, the country has been

won over. Is it different experiencing this as opposed to an

athlete? As an athlete, you do not concentrate on this because you are

focused on the running. I think it is wonderful. I did not know it was

such a good party! We will look at some of the highlights now as the

ferry makes its final docking procedures. The ferry has been all

around the region over the past few days. We will look in a minute as

we see the flame and making its final arrival into Liverpool, the

highlights of the journey around the north-west over the past few

It is for everyone at supported me. A unique experience. Worth it?

Definitely. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I can't believe how

many people are here despite the weather. It is about the Olympics

and it's really exciting. It will only happen once in our lifetimes.

People were lining the streets shouting my name and I didn't know

most of them! It was exciting. In Bolton, thousands had gathered

on the roof outside the town hall. I have grown up on the streets and

to be running with the torch means a lot to me and my family and

everything to Bolton. And now the party begins! You get swept along

with excitement of it all. It makes Knotty Ash part of the Olympics. I

shall be running in the egg-and- spoon race! Some of the amazing

scenes we have seen as the tortured makes its way around the north-west.

Some incredible scenes. The best job of the day has gone to Kate

Simms. She has her own personal chopper to ride on for the

evening!! She is watching it now as the torch comes in. What an

opportunity for me. The view is spectacular. The journey it usually

takes 10 minutes on the ferry but it has stopped in the river to make

sure that the torch arrives on time. There has been a fairy here since

the 12th century but never a journey quite like this. You can

see the camera moving towards it. Craig Lundberg has been standing

proudly on the bow. He will greet the thousands of people who are

waiting with bated breath to see the torch lighting up the cold and.

What a night! We think five minutes or less before the ferry docks. We

would keep abreast of it. You come here the ferry sounding its horn.

Steve Parry, former Olympic swimmer, it is great. Absolutely

unbelievable. The horn is very loud. There must be 20,000 people down

here revelling in the noise. It's fantastic. Kate mentioned Craig

Lundberg who is bringing it on shore. He was blinded in Iraq. What

a moment for him. It will be unbelievable for him. That is what

I love about the relay, it is not just about has been athletes, it is

about the people they did so much to the country and that is what

makes it so amazing. It's wonderful. It is incredible. The noise when

they blow the horn. There is such a great spirit among everyone. And a

real mix of people. There are families down there, the senior

generation. It is wonderful to see everyone excited. I am sure the

weather helps. OK, before Craig gets off the boat, and comes aboard,

let's look at some of the teenagers who will be running with the torch

as it makes its way around the North West later. Take three

teenagers for a taste of what it means to be a torch-bearer.

remember the day when others 14 and carry the Olympic torch. It's a

once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. is something ordinary people we get

to do something great. Milly from Ulverston has been through much

including years of surgery to counter a rare genetic disorder.

She showed her thanks for the care she has received by sea fog

collecting over �100,000 for charity. Her mum was first to find

out she would carry the Olympic flame. Did you run around the

bedroom? Well, it was amazing, I was speechless. Is it real? She was

also chosen because of their devotion to her oldest sister who

has terminal cancer. They have become a fund-raising Partnership.

I am surprised the amount of money she raised but I am not surprised

she has been raising money for charity because she is that sort of

girl. Ben is an inspiration to his mates, his mother and more.

fantastic personality. Enthusiastic, it goes on. He is an ambassador.

The 14-year-old was born with a form of dwarfism, along with a

skull deformity be needed lent the surgery. He is still having

treatment for his ankles but nothing sluicing down. When I get

older, I will be able to say to my friends when I am 30 years old,

when I was 14 I carry the Olympic torch. Katie from Preston is one of

lives carers. Whether a fund in the sun with her nephew or fund with a

family. Six brothers and one sister. She was nominated by teachers and

friends for the way she has coped since the death of her mother.

Carrying the torch, she says, is unbelievable. It is something

ordinary people do not get a chance to do. We will be doing it. It is

A special day when they get to run with a torch. We are joined by

Martin who is one of the taekwondo team. A special day for you. You

have been selected. Yes, an amazing day, especially being hit with my

daughter and the support is amazing. I am so proud to represent the

country. She looks bemused. Yes, she would be excited if she knew

what was happening. How will it be with your daughter watching at the

home Olympic Games. I am not usually an emotional person but

today I was getting quite emotional with all the support and the

messages from everyone and it was exciting and for my family to be

there as well as amazing. We wish you well. Thank you for talking to

us. The as Craig Lundberg brings the plane home to Liverpool, real

butterflies in his stomach. -- the Words cannot explain it. I feel so

on its that the people of Liverpool have picked me to be the final

torch-bearer and its representation of Liverpool and what being a

Scouser is all about. One of the reasons he were chosen is because

people are so proud of how you have rebuilt alive. At the end of the

day, I have done what I thought was best. And how I should live my life

and getting back on the track. How his father had? Hard work! Not just

because I can't Sir -- C. I have had my moments. I am gutted I can't

see him. But I get lots of different things out of it. Air

least I am here to hold him. It is a great year for the country. And

what a thing to look back on when he is older. To find the news

clippings and the Olympic torch I will be carrying. We you keep it?

Yes. I might donate it to the museum and leave it there so

everyone can see it. It is not my torch. It is the people of

Liverpool who nominated any to be the torch-bearer. I can't see it on

my mantelpiece. I would rather everyone can share it in the museum

and be a part of Liverpool's history. That is the remarkable

story of Craig Lundberg he was blinded in Iraq said in his country

and now has the honour of bringing the torch home to Liverpool as we

welcome viewers on the BBC News Channel. What a proud moment,

butterflies in his stomach, the latest person to carry the torch on

its remarkable relay, 1000 relay runners, 8,000 miles around the UK,

the shot from the helicopter above the ferry terminal on the River

Mersey is a really amazing one but as the camera pulls back, take a

look at the crowd. They are waiting to welcome Craig, the Liverpool

Olympic flame, belie the building in the centre of the shot. It is a

stunning view an historic evening. Steve Parry, a proud Liverpudlian,

Pratt Scouser, this is quite a night. What a night for the city.

The anxiety Craig must be feeling about it all. The people that have

come to welcome it. I did not realise how much the country would

be gripped by this occasion. Craig has had a remarkable few weeks. He

became a father for the first time four weeks ago. He is showing off!

To many good things going on in his life! People have been arriving

since 4 o'clock waiting to get their touch of the Games. And you

have stood on the blocks ready for an Olympic final. Is this almost as

exciting? Yes, and the build up to the Home Olympics is just as good

or better. Going to be Games in 2004, that was lovely. A but it

means so much more to so many people this time around. You get to

showcase everything that is great about Britain. And also we will win

Look at the vu! You said earlier that a short of when it arrives in

London, there is no better view. mum and dad for years have gone on

about how the Three Graces does not get enough air time. There they are.

It is a wonderful backdrop with the Mersey. I cannot believe how far

the torch goes. It started in Bolton this morning. They must be

running fast. The sense of expectation is building. Let us go

to the crowd with Dianne Oxberry. These ladies are very much in the

Olympic spirit. You of volunteers for London 2012. Why did you want

to get involved? I volunteered in Liverpool and when the Olympics was

announced I really wanted to be involved. What is it about it that

draws people to the Olympics? think it is the spirit. Like today,

everybody coming together and celebrating and hopefully the

Olympics will inspire a generation to come together as communities and

take a sport. You have a job, tell us what it is? Way finding.

give people directions. Good luck! I also just want to show you this

17 months old. He has a full set of teeth. Why did you want to bring

him down? It is a wonderful opportunity. We will never see this

again. We feel proud due to show him the best. -- to show him this.

You will make sure he remembers it. It is a fantastic night. Back to

you. Thank you. Now to the bird's eye

view. Kate Simms is hovering above the River Mersey. We keep seeing

flickering so of the flame down there by the landing stage. It is

here in Liverpool. We are waiting fog Craig Lundberg to make the

journey up to the stage now. What a welcome he will get. A good few

weeks for him having just become a father as well. They are expecting

20,000 people down its there. It is a spectacular view from up here

with the Three Graces in the background. They are just six days

in the flame I believe now. It is quite difficult to see from up here.

Pretty soon they will be running up the torch up to the stage it to

write that -- to light the colt runs. They know how to party in

England but nowhere quite like Liverpool. I will hand back to you

now. Thank you very much. Here is Craig Lundberg. What a proud moment

for him. He became a father recently false start jogging along

in front of the thousands of people. What a proud moment for him.

Instead serving his country in Iraq. One of the many injured servicemen

and women who have been involved in the torch relay. Still many more

miles to go. Still many more towns and villages and communities to

visit. But here in Liverpool be proud city of Liverpool packed with

proud Liverpudlians tonight. No one is prouder than that man here,

Steve Parry. You can feel the anticipation in the crowd. This is

what it is about, the power of sport to bring people together. It

is wonderful. He is just making his way up the steps, heading towards

the stage. Then at the iconic moment when Craig Lundberg will

step forward to transfers the Olympic flame to the cauldron. It

will become Liverpool's albeit only for tonight. It goes on to the Isle

of Man tomorrow. Then to the Olympic Stadium at the end of July

for the opening ceremony. Craig Lundberg has the flame at the

moment. He is about to come on stage. Quite rightly, Liverpool's

eludes them. -- Liverpool salutes He is going to make his way over it

now. The final few steps. So many people, so many families here, so

many young children. I guess some where Craig Lundberg's wife and his

baby son will be here as well. There will be a countdown. Craig

Lundberg will do the honours, the proudest man in Liverpool. 5, 4, 3,

2, one. Liverpool, the Olympic flame is yours! It is a proud

moment for one man, a proud moment against an iconic backdrop in the

City. The Olympic flame is a Liverpool's flame. This is your

moment in history. Makes the hairs on the back of the hour necks stand

on end. It is unbelievable. Imagine the children and what they are

thinking about. They will remember this for the rest of their lives.

Hopefully a lot of them will want to get involved in sport. There are

lots of people who have done great things in their communities who

have been given the opportunity to run with the flame but quite

fitting that some of our brave soldiers who have been injured in

combat get the chance too. Absolutely. This is the message

about the Olympic Games, it is not about the athletes, but of course,

they have something to do with it, but what about the volunteers who

give their time, the servicemen? It is for everyone. Any moment now, we

are hearing from a couple of celebrities on the big screen, John

Bishop is giving a message to the comedienne -- the Liverpool

comedian is giving a a message to Craig Lundberg. What an honour it

is for him. John Bishop's message has finished. Now onto the stage

will come Tony Livesey, a familiar face in the north-west and a

familiar voice to listeners of BBC Radio 5 Live. He will told to Craig

Good evening, Liverpool. Prepare to go wild because guess what, you are

live on BBC One! Give us a wave! Listen, there are 10,000 to 20,000

of you out there. I forget you are here far Craig Lundberg of you are

here for the ferry. I think you are here for Craig Lundberg. How does

it feel, Craig Lundberg? How has your day been? It has been radical.

I am so proud to represent Liverpool and I am made at the have

picked me to carry the Olympic torch. I hope I have done Liverpool

proud. You could not have picked a better person to help me carry it

as well. The lad next to me, he helps make off the roof black

knight and what an honour it is to be doing at the Olympic torch with

them as well. Thank you, Liverpool. I do not know whether you know this

but since Craig Lundberg had his injuries, he has done some

remarkable things. He has climbed Mount Kilimanjaro and played in

love of football. What drives you on? I am just a Scouser, aren't I

have?! Plain and simple. I know you said a few words, but these guys

have supported uses day one, have you got a special message for the

people of doable? -- the people of Liverpool? And a city has the best

buy land, the best people and we have shown it tonight. We have

shown the rest of the country that they have got to follow us now.

Listen, this the next answer that the Craig Lundberg gives will

require you and I guarantee to go... What happened to you three weeks

ago? I had a baby boy, Ben. He was born on 5th May. Best thing ever.

You are a hero for what you have done today, you are a hero for the

people of Liverpool. I think I have heard that you want to climb Mount

Everest or go to the North Pole. The main thing is being a dad.

is harder than going up Everest! Making sure I do that right and

doing Ben proud. I don't know. See what comes. Ladies and a Dutchman,

Craig Lundberg! -- ladies and gentlemen.

We are joined by a number of people on the platforms. They have had the

good fortune of daring and running with the Olympic flame. We will be

talking to them in a couple of minutes. Before that, a couple of

people who have run with it today and taken part and run along with

the Olympic flame today. It has been remarkable for so many people.

All of them nominated by their local communities because they are

Still sprinting at 81, Joe Beswick is dedicated as ever to the sport

he only took up in his 40s. remember going to my GP at the time

and he said, how old are you? I said 43. He said, don't you think

you should be easing up? When I came out of the surgery, I thought,

no chance! For the past 25 years, he has been coaching Helsby Running

Club. They have given him great memories of the track as well.

have met so many wonderful people over the years. I do not think they

realise what it has meant to me. I can get quite emotional about it.

For the club, there was no better way to thank him than nominating

Mike Hatcliff has been coaching the children of Lytham St Annes since

1972. He believes swimming gives young people the confidence to

achieve. I do it for the children because I enjoyed it so much and

that is why I am trying to give it back to them. Now his swimming

school have given back to him and he is very proud to be carrying the

Olympic flame. We are representing 60 million people who I hope will

A real honour for anybody who gets to run with the Olympic torch. We

have a few people here who have done it. Can I have a field? He is

making your flame! A nice close up of an Olympic torch. Tell us what

you did. I ran full Liverpool taxi drivers which is a charity raising

money for underprivileged children. I was nominated for raising

awareness for bone cancer Research Trust which I suffered with.

beat the leukaemia and now you take out their little ones in remission

sailing? It is a fantastic charity that takes children down to the

Isle of Wight, fresh of treatment, just a little something to get out

there and get some independence and realise what they can achieve.

gentleman on the end. I ran today which was brilliant. Thank you. I

was nominated because I have been a member of the lifeboat stations are

over 35 years. Did Ken Dodd give you a tickle? He did not! How long

will you keep the tracks is on for? Forever. Thank you for talking to

us. We have said it's so many times, it is a wonderful evening. I have

spent a lot of my time being involved with the Olympic Games a

movements, but tonight top it off. This is what it is about. Thank you

very much. The thank you for watching. The Olympic flame

continues his journey around the country. Tonight, the flame belongs

to Liverpool. Have a lovely in Jubilee weekend. Mark Cavendish has

won the words title! No one had even heard of this little fellow

and here he is just about on top of the world. Listen to the raw!

first individuals cycling gold for 84 years. Then came the ceremony.

am getting really excited and I hope you are tears. That is the

hardest high bar routine the world has ever seen. Make sure you

support every Team GB athlete this summer. Go Team GB! I just want to

say good luck to all of the Olympians who are competing from

the north-west. Well done. Will she get there? She gets the gold!

it being a home and Olympic Games, it is a massive dream come true. I

am so excited, I cannot wait. told you you could do it! Just