Thousands of people lined the sun soaked streets yesterday to welcome the Olympic Torch to Merton on its 66th day.

Arriving at the Rosehill Roundabout, the torch was carried through the borough by about 30 torchbearers including British number one tennis star Andy Murray, Venus Williams, sports presenter Sue Barker and Capital Radio presenting due Lisa Snowden and Dave Berry.  

Starting in Morden, the parade wound its way through Mitcham stopping off at the Hub where Sue Barker took her turn.

The torch then continued past cheering crowds to Colliers Wood and onto Wimbledon stopping off at the All England Tennis Club where Andy Murray carried the torch out onto centre court.

Linda Lehman, 68, from Sutton, watched the flame pass into Merton at the Rosehill roundabout in Sutton.

She said: "It was brilliant.

"We went to the ponds in Carshalton first and rushed up to watch it here.

"The police down in Carshalton were all from Wales and were lovely.

"I’m taking as many pictures as I can because my grandsons school in Australia wants to see them.

"They have given me the schools website to send any pictures I can to them.

"The atmosphere was better in Carshalton as there were more people but it was lovely and the sunshine makes a massive difference."

Paul Evers, 40, Wimbledon brought his two twins, wrapped up in union jack flags, to watch the celebrations.

He said: "I just want my kids to see the Olympic torch going past.

"This will never happen again in my life time in Britain and at the end of our road.

"It's about community spirit and it's great to see the local people out together and doing something we will never get to do again."

Toki Macleod, 44, from Wimbledon watched the torch at Haydon’s Road with family and friends.

She said: "It is a once in a lifetime experience for the children.

"It's never going to happen in London again while we are alive and the weather has just made the day."