Hundreds of people turned out in Lowestoft to welcome the arrival of the Queen's Baton Relay.

Olympic bronze medal-winning boxer Anthony Ogogo kicked off a day of activities on Lowestoft seafront, to mark the countdown to this summer's Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Primary school children, parents and families all lined up waving flags and Team England banners as Anthony Ogogo carried the baton to Claremont Pier in Lowestoft at 7.45am this morning.

Mr Ogogo was greeted by the Mayor of Lowestoft, June Ford, Waveney District Council chairman Peter Collecott, Suffolk County Council leader Mark Bee and Waveney leader Colin Law as a fanfare of live music echoed out across the seafront.

Having competed at the Commonwealth Games himself, Anthony said: 'Its a massive honour. The support has been brilliant and thank you all for making it very special.'

After a mass warm-up event on the promenade, hundreds of people took part in two community runs along the seafront, with Anthony Ogogo carrying the baton in both.

The baton's visit to Lowestoft also triggered a day of sporting activity on the beach involving primary school children this morning, high school and college students this afternoon and businesses this evening.

The event was successfully organised by a group involving Waveney District Council, Lowestoft Rising, Suffolk County Council, Lowestoft police, East Coast Community Healthcare (ECCH) and local sport and social clubs.

A 'delighted' Bruce Provan, Waveney's cabinet member for tourism and economic development, said: 'This is a great advert for our wonderful beach and puts Lowestoft back on the map.'

Waveney District Council leader Colin Law said: 'It has been an absolutely fantastic morning, with a really good turn-out and great weather. With the national recognition of the relay it really puts Lowestoft on the map and showcases our south beach for what it is – one of the best on the east coast.'

The baton eventually left Lowestoft at 9.30am on Monday, and continued its journey around Suffolk, heading to Newmarket, Bury St Edmunds and Ipswich.