Deal Pier and seafront were packed with people this morning (Thursday) as the town gave its first Olympic torch bearer cheers and applause as she started her journey.

After last night’s downpours for the celebrations in Dover, the sun shone in Deal and the blue skies provided the perfect back-drop to the historic day.

Yasmin Welsh and her family arrived on Deal Pier just after 7am to secure a good seat and were not disappointed with the event.

She said: "This is a once in a lifetime experience and was well worth the early start."

The first runner was Kathy Batts from Strood, who was passed crowds of onlookers she ran along the prom and into the town centre.

Later, in Sandwich, the crowds erupted into cheers of support for torch bearer Caroline Spence from Northwood as she jogged past the Guildhall.

Families and school children had been lining the streets since 8am to witness the relay.

She met Chillenden torchbearer David Hampson-Ghani at the exchange point at Harnet Street, lighting his torch before he jogged off towards the Toll Bridge.

The flame then went to Thanet and Canterbury before it arrives tonight at Leeds Castle.

* East Kent Mercury and Dover Mercury on Thursday will feature 20-pages of photos and stories from the Olympic torch events.