Aycliffe Welcomes Olympic Torch

Over 15,000 people turned out on Sunday 17th June to welcome the Olympic Torch Parade through Newton Aycliffe.
The route from Burn Lane down through Central Avenue and along St. Cuthberts Way was crowded with excited onlookers determined to witness the rare event and record its appearance on digital cameras and mobile phones.
It was a happy occasion with good natured policemen on motor bikes stirring up the crowd with sirens and hand waving.
Supt Ian Macdonald of Durham Constabulary said: “County Durham and Darlington gave a huge welcome to the Olympic Flame. The crowds were good natured, everything went well from our point of view and the thousands who turned up to see the torch relay had a great time. Our thanks go to all concerned.”
There were cheers for the torch carriers and gleeful smiles throughout the fifty minute tour of the town.
The flame was transferred outside Newton Press Print Factory ready to be transported to Darlington.
Readers have sent their photographs to be printed in the Newton News and we are happy to reproduce them below.