Thousands of people cheered on the Olympic Torch as it arrived at Southwold's seafront at about 11.40am.

In Southwold the Torch crossed Might's Bridge and was taken along Pier Avenue to the Pier where a large crowd surged forward as people tried to gain the best vantage point to see the torch.

School children were at the fore in the rush to see the flame and they eagerly waved flags and shouted out as they first glimpsed it and then passed them.

Town resident Adele Buckley, 49, was with 12 friends and family to see the torch, Some of them had travelled up from Kent.

She said: 'I just had to see it as it is a once in life time opportunity. It is brilliant to see that so many people have turned out to see it.'

Jayne Martin, 51, from Pinkey's Lane, was so keen to see the torch that she had closed her Nourish farm shop at the Henstead Arts and Craft Centre so she could view.

She said: 'It is exciting so see Southwold buzzing over the torch.

'It is just a fantastic occasion for the town. I thought I would close my shop as it is the only time I will ever get to see the torch.'

There was more Olympic joy for Miss Martin as her daughter Faye saw the torch in Wrentham and she has secured tickets to the games to see tennis and rowing.

The torch was welcomed in the town by Southwold Mayor Michael Ladd.

After the flame left the town Mr Ladd said: 'It has been a fantastic day for Southwold. It is great to have the torch here.

'It is something that everyone here today will remember for the rest of their lives.'

Sisters Milly, 13, and Evie Scarborough-Taylor, 12, were at the event with their mother Victoria Tuck, from Burston, near Diss, Norfolk.

The sisters have a close link to Southwold as there is a plaque on the pier to mark how Milly was the first person born in Southwold in more than 30 years.

Milly said: 'It is great to be here.'