Click here to see all the images

CROWDS of hundreds turned into thousands as spectators lined the road this morning ready to witness a once in a life time sight.

Waving Union flags they cheered as the Olympic torch convoy made its triumphant entry to its starting point at the junction of Lyndhurst Road and Balmer Lawn Road in Brockenhurst at 10.25am.

Excitement grew as Ellie Kirby, 16, from Southampton, left the coach ready to be handed the iconic baton as she realised her key role in the historic event.

The teenager was given the honour because of her all round sporting ability, which ranges from gymnastics and swimming as well as basket ball and badminton.

The flame was then lit and she was off, with ecstatic onlookers cheering her on for her section of the relay before she handed the torch to Wightlink ferry captain Steve Baker.

The 57-year-old, from Dibden Purlieu, was given the honour for his tireless development work in aid of African children.

He then ran his leg along the A337 and into Brockenhurst College where he was met by a carnival atmosphere of villagers and tourists.

Despite a sudden downpour, the torches exchanged flames, with that the eternal flame was taken away ready for its journey through Lymington.

Ben Pugh, 28, from Surrey then ran back onto the A337 for his leg before handing it Xuerui Wang, from China, who completed the relay at the level crossing next to the railway station.