Leader: Olympic Torch fans out as Shropshire enjoys day in sun

By late yesterday afternoon, the population of Mid-Wales, Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin shared a similar thought: the Olympics don't seem to matter, we've enjoyed our day in the sun.

The arrival of the Olympic Torch relay was a magnificent day for the county. Building on the foundations laid last week, when it passed through parts of South Shropshire, it provided an occasion for a region-wide celebration.

People young and old, the able-bodied and disabled, the community achievers and the sportsmen and women: all came together to put on a show of which we should be proud.

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The statistics make for remarkable reading.

More than 100,000 people gathered around the region for a glimpse of the Olympic Flame. The streets of Shrewsbury were lined with 40,000 alone while little Much Wenlock, a tiny spot on the map, was crammed with 10,000 well-wishers.

Much Wenlock epitomises Shropshire's Olympic spirit.

Yesterday was the day when 162 years of history came full circle. The town was recognised as being the birthplace for the modern Olympics. The significance of the Wenlock Olympian Games, first organised by Dr William Penny Brookes in 1950, was honoured.

Make no mistake. Without Dr Penny Brookes' visionary idea, we almost certainly would not be looking forward to the sporting extravaganza that lies in store in London during July and August.

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Dr Brookes was the inspiration for the modern day games. In addition to his events in Wenlock, held for the physical and educational improvement of locals, he staged a national Olympic Games in London, at Crystal Palace, in 1866. That event was the first Olympic-style programme outside Greece.

Dr Brookes' Games led directly to the creation of the modern day Olympics by Baron Pierre de Coubertin.

That gloriously unique history was at the forefront of people's minds yesterday as they lined the streets amid blistering summer sunshine. Not content with recognising the town's unique contribution to global sport and culture the people of Much Wenlock were at it again, setting a new world record for sprints.

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It was heartening that so many people lined the streets to cheer on the Flame. People queued for many hours to see the Flame of hope. The elderly stood shoulder to shoulder with the young, all savouring a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be part of the biggest show on earth.

The lucky few who were selected to carry the Flame will remember their participation for the rest of their lives. They deserve such golden memories. For their achievements on the sporting field, in the community or on the battle field earned them the right to be a part of history.

Of course, the Olympics is simply building to a glorious crescendo and during July and August we will celebrate as a nation. The extraordinary summer of 2012 – marked by a heatwave, Diamond Jubilee and Olympic and Paralympic Games – is a reason for celebration.

But for all that London may hold, yesterday was all about Shropshire. After 162 years, the Olympics finally came home.

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