East Midlands Olympic Torch

Good evening and welcome to the BBC's Special Olympic torch relay

programme. From Darley Park in the city of Derby were along with

thousands of people, we await the Good evening of from beautiful

Darley Park. We are situated on the River Derwent, a gateway to a World

Heritage Site. Five biggest countryside just a walk away from

the centre of Derby. This is usually a haven of peace and

tranquillity. I do not think you can say that this evening. There

are thousands of people here but more importantly I have with me

Colin Jackson, one of the greatest athletes of this country. Welcome

to Derby. Thank you very much indeed. I am so excited to be here.

People are still pouring into this part. It is just sensational and

all for a very good reason. know more about it than most

because the main reason we are here, you were a torch-bearer. I was

lucky enough to carry the torch in Swansea. One of the city's I have

trained in for the Olympic Games. special moment for everyone who has

carried the torch. It started this morning when it left Nottingham

Castle and here are just a few It brings back so many memories

seeing all those beautiful shots and it excites me to know that

other people when experience exactly the same five but I did.

There was a lot of tingling going on everywhere. They did say this is

usually a quiet place, lots of wild life, different kind of wildlife

tonight. Overhead you can often see Peregrine's. They are not here

tonight but we do have a Sky -- I in the sky. Yes, the torch is

continuing apace towards you and Colin. At the moment it is in St

Mary's Gate, it has just past the cathedral, a large crowd outside

the Cathedral. A long Ashbourne Road, big crowds as well, Derby's

historic mile. People turning out in force to see this historic event.

It will then go down the Strand, St James's Street and into marketplace

where there are very big crowds indeed. It is great to have though

shot up there as well. It gives you an idea of how many people. We

reckon they could be 20,000 people here at Darling Park tonight. --

Darley Park. The Games is literally on our doorstep and that is what

excites everybody. Many of the athletes who will take part here at

the Games will understand how much as the board they are getting from

the British public. When they see so many people turning up to accept

the torch, that is a special moment for them and they will realise that.

They have the whole of the UK as a fan base. Wonderful! There was a

concern that the Olympics would not touch people outside of London but

that has been blown out of the water. Absolutely. I thank

everybody in the regions for showing their support because it

from make a difference. If we are high above the crowds, looking down

on everyone. Lot of people have spotted Colin Jackson already. They

just keep coming in. They are pouring in, left right and centre.

There was a time when I was thinking surely it would stop

because we will run out of Ram but no, people are still coming.

whole journey of the torch started much earlier today from Nottingham

Castle. It made its way to Bolsover Castle. Into Chatsworth and Quentin

Rayner has been looking back at the As the band struck up at Nottingham

Castle, nothing this time was raining on this parade. Legend has

it that Robin Hood was a man of give and take, but like the Olympic

torch relay. Barbara Green was the first torch-bearer of the day as

the flame set off on his journey from Nottingham Castle to Derby.

From bolivar to Bolivar the torch lit up the packed streets of

Nottingham as it headed north of the city. At the Ellis Guilford

school there was a shelf for medal- winning swimmer. It has been such

an honour and there are so many people that would love to do

something like this and I'm fortunate enough to do it. Ruins

and running around in tandem in the shape of Adam Crump, the commanding

officer of Nottingham Sea cadets and then the torch with delivered

to Derbyshire. They lined the streets of Bramley Vale to cheer

one Jonathan Shelton. Bolsover provided the second cousin of the

day in the East Midlands. Michel encourages primary children to take

up athletics. This was one inspirational at less than. In Calo

they do things differently. Katy Wilson and Adam Gouldson exchanged

an Olympic kiss and after a salute, he marched on. Chesterfield saw

some of the biggest crowds of the day. In Matlock, Dominic Cunningham

was flipping overjoyed the torch had come to town. That was amazing.

The atmosphere was brilliant. I can't get over it, I want to do it

again. His wish came true. He took the torch to new heights. The

Heights of Abraham, high over the Derwent Valley. The reception party

was Bonsal Primary. The torch's stately progress continued through

the grounds of Chatsworth House. Bakewell was bursting at the seams

and to welcome the torch. This was one Mac torturous route through

great swathes of the East Midlands to get to Derby. But what a day for

Derbyshire. You are now watching live pictures

from our helicopter. That is the case for taking place. Did you have

to do with the keys with yours? it was the proud this case I have

ever done. You can watch people taking pictures from roofs of

buildings so it is really getting an effect on the whole nation.

are an athlete. He performed at how many Olympic Games? Four. You are

used to running in front of crowds, hearing the applause. Was that

different carrying the torch amongst the people? Yes, by far

because it is about the emotion of the sport. You think about how you

and why you are carrying the torch. It is a truly wonderful feeling. An

experience that I wish everyone could have. Lots of people have

been screaming your name. Somebody else is in the crowd, your namesake,

Colin. It is just brilliant down here. The crowd are thoroughly

enjoying themselves. Incredible excitement. Gay men -'s job has

been to get everyone excited about this. We have set out to inspire a

generation and we have succeeded. Your job now is to turn this into a

lasting legacy. Definitely. We have laid a good foundation but the

autumn will be crucial. When the Olympics and Paralympics are in

children's heads and hearts and we have to capitalise than. The torch

has done astonishing things for that. The torch has been a

brilliant. I was in Matlock earlier today, a young gymnasts came in,

did a flare up and we all went mad. It will be really wonderful tonight.

Thank you. The crowd are loving it down here. I am not surprised. The

flame is in Derby market place and it from not be a very long before

it arrives here at Darley Park and head its way right the way through

the crowd. The people all waiting to see the cauldron actually been

lit. That is its journey it will take their and it is going a long

second battalion Mercians. They are back from a tour of Afghanistan.

Very exciting moment for them because it takes a bit of courage

for them to be there. They know the whole world is watching this. These

pictures do not just stay in the UK. I was in the States and watching

recently the torch being followed by people in America. This is what

is happening, it is happening -- having an effect globally.

Incredible. Darley Park, you are tonight international. We have been

talking about torch-bearers, we have seen so many of their

magnificent stories and this next one is just the same.

It has been a long road to recovery for Clary. She was overjoyed when

she was told she would be carrying the torch. I do not know what you

say when someone says, I had nominated due for the torch. Then

queue does not seem enough. Chloe was 19 when she lost her leg in a

hit and run crash in Nottingham. But she is not resentful or bitter.

She seemed so positive. You have to accept that in life it is not all

happiness. It has been two-and-a- half years and 25 operations, but

she is still studying fashion at Nottingham Trent University. I have

come through so much to get to work -- where I want to get to and it is

nice that someone has noticed. her, carrying the flame symbolises

so much. I had this great thing to do. It is something to aim for in

your life. I will cherish the memory for ever. Admiring Chloe

carrying the ultimate fashion accessory, her mum and sister.

is going to do so well with her life because she is so positive. It

is amazing. Really proud of her. She is my hero. What thoughts went

through your mind? That I cannot believe I am doing it. It is the

main thought. It is finally here. Does it put to accident in the

background? Yes, it is just a vague them -- memory.

And lovely clary is with me now. Were you as happy as you looked

then? Yes. Sell me how you found out. You were asked to go and see

your university chancellor and you thought the worst. I was like, oh

my gosh. Thinking what abide done now? I have been called into the

office, it is the worst thing that could be happening. He asked you if

you would carry the torch. You are an inspiration. What is amazing is

what you have done for people who do have disabilities. It inspired

you with your future career. It has definitely. What will you do? A

clothing line? I am setting up a company for fashionable disable

clothing and I think fashionable should be accessible to all kinds

of people. We are moving in that direction. You have a top tip. For

next season? May be something in gold? Thank you and congratulations.

Let's go back up to Simon in the sky somewhere above us.

The torch is now reaching the top of all street. Is when past the

Statue of Bonnie Prince Charlie, he famously turned round when he got

to Derby but the torch is continuing. It is heading towards

you at Darley Park. The crowds in the marketplace and around the

council house were amazing, reminiscent of 40 years ago when

Brian Clough and the team paraded their trophy 35 years ago. It is

now in Queen St, so it is really towards Duffield rode, so it will

be on the final leg towards you at Darley Park.

That is amazing. We are all looking forward to it. That torch obviously

arriving here at the park but I have a very special guest with me.

He had a big smile on your face. haven't stopped smiling all day.

Such a good day. Everybody needs to know, how do you find out that

you've got that magical moment a head? I got selected through my

university because I won the British Championships twice for

them. The Vice Chancellor called me into his office and asked me. It

was all the way back in December. You are a very talented table

tennis player. You are ranked number four in England. The

Commonwealth Games must be the goal for you now. Yes, looking forward

to that. I am very pleased and proud. I certainly know what the

experiences are in carrying that torch. She is very jealous we are

both torch-bearers. I am feeling a bit left out. You can hold it.

a great? Of the best thing ever. Thank you. The torch goes all

abound but occasionally it has a bit of a stayer over somewhere and

they raised one score in Matlock that was able to keep the torch for

The whole school turned out on the playing field for a festival of

celebrations with a sporting feel. There were races - of course - of a

conventional nature but the sack race - well, I don't THINK it's

currently an Olympic sport! The band played their Olympic anthem

and dancers danced. It is a very special day. The torch all be here

later, so I am sure everybody is absolutely excited about that.

there was also a chance to hear from a real life Olympian - Casey

Stoney will play for Team GB women's football team. It is very

cool that we get to meet her. It is amazing. Very exciting. At one

point the rain fell but that didn't dent the enthusiasm of the six form

organisers. We are privileged enough to have the Olympic torch

coming here, so we thought it would be a great way to kick-start that.

Everybody realises how privileged we are commanded us a everybody in

the Olympic spirit. Everybody is so enthusiastic about it. But of

course the high point was waiting for the torch to arrive so the

flame could be handed on for a trip on the heights of Abraham cable car.

And the big moment - Dominic Cunningham, top gymnast for team GB,

transporting the torch and himself in suitable style for the flame to

be handed on TWICE from here for its onward journey.

I do not ever get tired of saying that flame and that torch. I

thought I would, but I don't. never get tired of it. The flame

and torture itself has become a national emblem. Every time I take

school visits, I always take the torch with me. People get so

excited. They see it and feel part of the Olympic Games. Talking about

the games, you were part of the Olympic bed. Did you don't believe

we would get it? In 2005, when we sat in a final decisions room, we

hoped that we could get it. We were never sure. A lot of the press and

media always stating it would be in Paris. But we hoped and had this

massive desire that we could pull it off. And when they announced

London, it was special! And this is the reason why everybody is here

today. It is the reason. People have taken up to their hearts.

they have loved every single moment of it. I feel proud I was part of a

bid team to create this amazing atmosphere across the whole country.

In the middle of this atmosphere, is Colin.

Lots of people are learning what it is like to be torch bearers. Not

many people get to do both - a Olympians and torch bearers. Me the

youngest person to go with Team GB in 2010. You have seen the

experience today. What is it like? Are the atmosphere has been amazing.

I am so excited. It is quite amazing for me to look at someone

who has been to an Olympics, getting excited about carrying the

torch. It is fantastic. The Olympics was an amazing experience

for me in 2010, but to be carrying the torch in England is a very

exciting was stub you are looking forward to starting in 2014?

Absolutely. I will bring back the Let us hope she does! Yes, and you

can see true and genuine enthusiasm. You have to have that desire and

believe. Absolutely. You really need to have that single-minded and

pure focus if you will dedicate your whole life to winning a title.

If you are thinking of doing that, it is well worth doing! We have

been talking about torch bearers. So many people have such incredible

stories to tell. Tales of going against the odds.

His work with the Nottingham Sea Cadets has earned Adam Crump this

honour. For two decades, he's been teaching and fund-raising for young

cadets. Some of them ran with him all the way today but it wasn't

plain sailing. This is Peak And in Glapwell village it was a

full turnout. Like a fish to water, Imogen Clark feels most at home

when swimming. She overcame severe exthma and asthma, which meant she

spent years in intensive care. But today she swapped the swimming pool

for dry land in Buxton. Most of my friends are coming to watch me.

She's only 13 but already she's beaten a record Rebecca Adlington

set at the same age. Life's what you make it - that's Kya's motto

and she should know. Being brought through the care system, I know it

is hard and you do not always get what you want and need. But with me,

I knew I wanted to help other people. And that's what she's been

doing, campaigning to help other children in care. But today is her

big day. To be bringing it into the city, and to be the first one to

pass it on to the next person is amazing.

From one extraordinary youngster to the parents of an extraordinary

swimmers. It is delightful to have you. I must admit, I was on Twitter

a little earlier, and I saw Rebecca had tweeted the fact she picked up

her kit today. Did you see the one with the sunglasses on? Yes.

she had her headband on as well! think it was probably one of those

things. She was so keen to play down mentally, all of a sudden, she

picked circuit up and has gone, nobody is! How important is it to

pick a picket? It is one of these things as well, it is a time to

share that experience with your family. You want to bring your kit

home and say, have a look at this! We must admit, we do get some stuff

away! Let us hope she does not ask us to watch it for her! There are

70 kilos! You are going down to watch us wimple stub we are. What

they argue down there? For her event. I guess, the pressure must

be on. She wants to repeat that double when she made in Beijing.

Hopefully, she can enjoy it these games because she has already got

medals, and she can sit back and relax and enjoy everything. That is

a very nice way of looking at it. I always assumed to the pressure

would be doubled. She is very focused. It is a once-in-a-lifetime

thing. When she gets it there, it is a four years on from last time,

we know the slate is wiped clean and it is what you do wonder day.

But just to take part in the home Olympics will be incredibly special.

We have just heard the flame is on Duffield rode. You were special

guest of honour yesterday? Yes, we got rather wet! Still a fantastic

time. He also went down to Team GB headquarters at the stadium? Yes.

That will be the place for all the friends and families to meet the

Olympians. And to socialise without any extra hassle. There is no

prayers aloud in there was dubbed it is just a place of calm? That is

right. There are photos of all the athletes on the wall, even when

they we youngsters. You heard Colin there, but it is for the families.

He said earlier he would be spending a lot of time in the

swimming pool. We will throw him out if we see him! I am a nice boy,

really! Has relied change to, now that you really do have an

international superstar as a daughter? Not really, no. We still

go to work, still do the shopping and washing. Bheki's life has

changed. I guess the only way our lives have changed is that more

people come up to last, particularly now, and parked on

goodwill messages of support. our laughter Becky. Enjoy the rest

of the evening. We mentioned at those pictures on Twitter of

Rebecca, and we asked you to send pictures of you following the flame.

And you have done. They have been sent 10 in their hundreds. They are

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 62 seconds

The torch is very newly-wed the cars. There it is. There at the

live pictures are from our helicopter. You run it really

enjoying every moment of it. And who can blame him? We keep using

the word is special, but it is. When you are running the torch, you

think to yourself while! I have arrived here and I really feel part

of the Olympics. There are 1,000 torches, 8,000 miles will be

covered, and 8,000 memories. Looking behind me, I think there

will be more than 1,000 memories. We must have 20,000 people down

there. Let us join Colin. It must be at least that. If you noticed

the Union Jack nails earlier, they were pretty special. Why have you

come down here? It is a once-in-a- lifetime chance. Amazing atmosphere.

It has been pretty good. Let us move go along the crowd at a little

bet. Just it down here, we can see a few more people waving their

flags. Why have you come down here? Such a good atmosphere. Love it!

There has been brilliant. One more person. Just here. I you're looking

for to sing the torch? Yes. It is history. Absolutely right. The

torch is very close. Not far away now.

It is very close indeed. This flame, it is more than a normal flame. It

comes all the way from Greece, and Greeks believe it has a divine

connotations because it was stolen from the gods. It symbolises so

much. Yes, it brings the whole engagement of people. What it

stands for, and every time you see it as an athlete, burning in the

stadium, it always reminds you why you are here. It is those very

individual thoughts that go along with the process. The flame first

made his way into the modern Olympics in 1928, and the Olympic

creed was the devised. It says the most important thing is not to win,

but to take part. Just as in life, the triumph is not the important

thing but the struggle. Every single one of the torch bearers

have those stories, and that is the beauty of it. Everybody will agree

with this statement. You think how many years ago the modern-day

Olympic Games started, and those words still have residents a --

resonance today. Because we will wait until that flame arrives it,

then we will join flame Britain a little later run. The whole

entourage, as he was saying earlier, is very exciting. Absolutely. You

can see many different coaches there, with dancers on, to enthuse

people in the audience. As those buses get closer, you start to get

a little bit more nervous. This is the time when you are thinking, my

time is nigh! And the fantastic thing... There appears! The torch

case. I can turn you now the person who will carry that torch end

through the park and like the cauldron is James. He is a former

English motorcycle racer. He is the World Super bike racer. You know

you, don't you? Yes. I had done many programmes with him. Full of

energy. For him to have this honour of bringing the torch into the

stadium and into the party itself is amazing. The noise that is being

created behind us is sensational. There is a tingle. There his

enthusiasm here. I really hope that all these people will be glued to

the TV and support every single athlete here. Look at everybody's

faces a stop they are enthralled by everything. I think everyone will

be watching the Olympics, remembering tonight. And that is

what will be interesting - they will recognise some of the faces

and say we supported them and we were part of the Olympic Games. I

am getting more excited! Just over there, that is where it will be

coming in. Quite a nice runway. think there will be approaching.

The code is arrive at first, don't The crowd a little bit more subdued.

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 62 seconds

goes out with Katie Mellor were now. I think they are engaged. He is

worming his way all the way through. You can see just the top of the

flame there. You think, I do not on the flame to go out. But going

round the corner, very shortly. And there he is. And there is that

flame. And there are thousands of people here in Derby. This is

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 62 seconds

And here we go. 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. It Let us welcome Colin. Hello,

everyone! It needs to be bigger than that, because you are live on

BBC one. Big chair! Big applause for everybody being alive. I was

awestruck by that. I am very proud to be Derby at this moment in time.

Of course, the flame or stay here in Derby tonight. We will be

looking after it entered the steps of tomorrow.

What a day it's been for all of us all the thousands of people who've

lined the streets and roads to follow the flame. Tomorrow it