Kingston town centre was awash with flags and banners as residents young and old headed out to see the Olympic torch relay in action.

For some it was a sense of community pride at seeing the iconic flame pass through the market square that drew them out of their beds early enough to line the streets , for others it symbolised a chance to be a part of history in the making.

Tony Goshawk who runs Tony's greengrocer on the marketplace, right on the frontline of the passing torch, found himself invaded by the whole family thanks to his stall’s prime viewing spot. His mother Sue Suffin, 67, who was flanked by granddaughters Demi, 8, and Holly, 9, said she was delighted to be a part of the celebrations.

She said: "I was so excited. I have been up since 5.30am and last night I was too excited and I couldn't eat my dinner."

Speaking to the crowds that lined the pavements from the Guildhall, through the Market Place, down Clarence Street and beyond, the chance to view the Olympic torch even just for a second was not to be snubbed.

Even the Kingfisher Leisure Centre’s mascot was out and about and K2 bus drivers added to the party atmosphere by beeping horns to get crowds cheering.

Like torch viewers across London many in the crowds saw catching a glimpse as their chance to be part of the 2012 Games after missing out on tickets to the main sporting events, a fact which added to the anticipation before it arrived.

One person with a prime viewing position was Go Kingston volunteer Michelle Ranasinghe.

The 17-year-old student, of Hook Rise South, got up before 7am to take up her post helping direct spectators.

She said: "Our job is to let the torch go through smoothly and stop people coming and jumping out. "It's the closest I can get to the real Olympics."

When the torch did finally arrive it felt like being in a festival as children and adults alike erupted into whoops and cheers, proud of their heroes who were chosen to carry the flame.