Thousands turn out to see Olympic Flame

Wensheng Li arrives in Rochdale Town Centre with the Olympic Flame

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The Olympic Flame arrived in Rochdale today as part of a 70 day epic journey around the UK.

Wensheng Li, from Korea, arrived in the Town Centre with the flame at 2.30pm to a rapturous welcome from thousands who turned out to cheer the torchbearers on. 

Wensheng stopped in front of the Town Hall to pass the torch bearing duty to Amy Peckover, 28, from Huddersfield.

Lucy Teal, 29, had the privilege of being the only torchbearer from Rochdale to carry the torch in Rochdale, she ran with the flame along Bolton Road, Marland as the flame made its way to Heywood.

Rochdale Borough Council Leader, Colin Lambert, said: “Today has been fantastic! The atmosphere has been absolutely amazing. Thousands turned out to see the Torch and enjoy the family fun day. Even the weather was kind to us.

"I want to thank everyone that cheered the Torch on its way and joined in. The Olympic organisers are delighted with the crowds and the welcome we gave the Torch.

"This is a day to be proud of.”

The Olympic Flame stands for peace, unity and friendship.