RESIDENTS and TT visitors turned out in force to watch as the London 2012 Olympic torch made its way round the island on Saturday.
It was carried by 26 Manx champions and travelled on different types of transport, including an electric tram and lifeboat.
After being transferred from the airport to the National Sports Centre, in Douglas, the torch began its Manx journey with a lap of the athletics track before a large crowd.
It then looped through Anagh Coar, Farmhill and Pulrose – including a motorcycle ride from the Quarter Bridge with former TT winner Milky Quayle and three-times world enduro champion David Knight.
The RNLI Lifeboat carried the flame before it was taken along part of Douglas seafront by horse tram. The torch travelled by tram to Laxey, where it was taken to the top of the Laxey Wheel.
It then made its way back down south, being paraded in Onchan and then Ballasalla.
The torch received a warm welcome in Castletown, where a party was already in full swing, with entertainment for all the family.
The torch left the island in the afternoon to continue with its journey in Belfast.
The island’s torchbearers included those who were successful through the public nomination processes run by London Organising Committee Olympic Games (LOCOG) and presenting partners – Coca-Cola, Lloyds TSB and Samsung.
Breakthrough Breast Cancer Isle of Man group chairman Angie Aire was one of the torchbearers.
She said: ‘Being chosen to carry the Olympic torch on behalf of Breakthrough Breast Cancer Isle of Man Group was indeed a great honour to me.
‘I felt so proud and priviledged to carry the flame through a part of my home village, Onchan, amidst my family and friends and many Breakthrough supporters.
‘Thank you to everyone who came out to cheer me on and share this fabulous piece of history with me.’
Cronk-y-Berry School head teacher Rob Sellors carried the flame in Castletown, watched by many of the Douglas school’s pupils and their families.
He said: ‘It was a marvellous experience. I was trying to run slowly to savour the moment but I’m not very good at running slowly!’
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