THOUSANDS of people turned out in force across Great Yarmouth to welcome the Olympic flame on its final Norfolk leg.

The procession began in the north of the town just after 9am and made its way into the Market Place and out over Haven Bridge, before continuing on to Lowestoft.

Flags were waved enthusiastically as the convoy made its way past the smiling crowds, who cheered and clapped as the torchbearers ran, jogged and walked their individual legs through the town.

Rob Sanderson, who carried the flame through the marketplace, said: 'It was amazing. I had to stop three times for the security to move crowds out of the way.

'I did it all on adrenaline.'

The 24-year-old from Cobholm was nominated to run because of his work with the community first responders.

Fellow torchbearer Lee Aldred, who ran from the town hall and over Haven Bridge, stopped in front of the cheering crowds to kiss his girlfrield Terri Kemp.

He said: 'I have had a brilliant day. The support has been unbelievable and I want to thank everyone who came out to support it.'

Lee was nominated by Terri to carry the torch.

Many residents bagged their viewing spot early on to make sure they were in a prime position to watch as the flame went by.

Among the early birds was Joyce Percival and Doris Knell, from Wherry Way, who had a front row seat as the torch travelled down Lawn Avenue. They were up at 6am and headed out to take their seats at 8.45am.

Doris, 79, said she had taken lots of pictures of the convoy, which she planned to put on social networking site Facebook to share with her seven grandchildren.

She said: 'It's been a wonderful atmosphere, everybody's out and everybody's joined in and it's lovely.'

Joyce, 88, added: 'I thought it was absolutely fantastic, I wouldn't have missed it for anything.'