AT last it is here!

Today is the day people across the region have been waiting for.

A bumper crowd of 100,000 people are set to line the streets to see the Olympic flame as it burns through Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

From children to pensioners, people of all ages are set to come out in force today to witness a once in a lifetime event in New Forest, the Isle of Wight and Southampton.

For 56 days inspirational people have proudly carried the golden torch across the country on its mammoth journey across the UK.

Following the torch’s tour of Kings Worthy and Winchester on Wednesday, the flame will return in Hampshire at 10.10am today.

Civic chiefs are urging patriotic residents to pick a place along the route at least an hour in advance, to avoid missing out.

Its first stop at 10.10am is Lyndhurst.

It will reach Brockenhurst by 10.25am where it will visit Brockenhurst College.

Lymington will be the next stop and there it will stay for 45 minutes.

The flame will then travel by ferry to the Isle of Wight before it will return to Southampton at 5.40pm.

Torchbearers will parade the flame through the streets on a four-mile route around the city- including a lap of the pitch at St Mary’s stadium.

Tonight the torch will finish its journey at Mayflower Park at 6.49pm where an evening celebration will take place featuring British rapper Wretch 32.

Families who want a great vantage point while avoiding the biggest crowds of the day are urged to go to Hoglands Park or Queensway, near the Holyrood Estate, which are set to be the quieter areas of the city during the relay.

Southampton City Council chiefs have recommended lining the streets of Marine Parade near St Mary’s stadium, where the torch will travel at 6.28pm, just after its lap of the St Mary’s stadium.

Revellers looking for a lively atmosphere should head to the QE2 Mile from Below Bar, where it will head east just short of Guildhall Square.

Early risers will have a final opportunity to see the torch in a quieter atmosphere on Sunday when it leaves Guildhall Square at 6am tomorrow.