Telford bosses: We did Olympic Torch relay proud

Fabulous fans put on a gold medal show to welcome the Olympic Torch to Telford, Ironbridge and Newport, with borough bosses declaring: We did it proud.

More than 50,000 flocked to watch the relay yesterday on one of the most magnificent days in the area's history.

And borough leaders say the carnival atmosphere made day 12 of the torch's 80-day procession around the country the best yet.

• Eight-page Olympic Torch souvenir in today’s Shropshire Star

Highlights of the day included Afghan war hero Ricky Furgusson being cheered to the skies as he carried the torch through Broseley; Jackfield community stalwart Ron Miles rolling back the years at the age of 83 to run through Much Wenlock and youth worker Joanne Engvikson battling through the enthusiastic crowds in Telford Town Centre.

Up to 20,000 people lined the streets in Telford itself for the eight-minute stage through the town centre yesterday, while 10,000 crammed into historic Ironbridge, with another 10,000 in Newport. Telford & Wrekin Council leader Councillor Kuldip Sahota said the day could not have gone better. "People turned out in their thousands and with the school bands, banners and flags and good humour, we created a real party atmosphere," he said.

"Thank you to all of the people in the borough who made it possible – and so memorable, particularly the volunteers who helped make today happen. It was truly a day to remember that should make us all very proud."

The Telford stages came at the end of a day that saw more than 100,000 people watch the torch as it made its way through Shropshire.

The crowds – the largest in the county's modern history – created a seven-and-a-half-hour party as the torch travelled through Oswestry, Shrewsbury, Welshpool, Much Wenlock, Broseley, Ironbridge, Telford and Newport.

Altogether 8,000 runners will carry the torch on its 80-day, 8,000-mile journey around the UK on its way to the Olympic stadium for the opening of the London Games on July 27.

Supporters of the charity Help for Heroes turned out in force to cheer on Telford soldier Ricky Furgusson in Broseley. The 26-year-old from Stirchley – who was awarded the Military Cross for bravery – lost both legs and an eye in Afghanistan.

Regulars from the Plough Inn, in Wellington, including landlord Ed Lowe, went along in support of Help for Heroes and Cpl Furgusson. He said Cpl Furgusson gave the pub a lot of help with its fundraising. In May the pub raised £14,000 in a single day for Help For Heroes.

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