THIS week eight years ago, the district turned out in force to welcome the Olympic Torch through their communities.

The torch was paraded through towns and villages throughout the UK ahead of the London 2012 Olympics, with it passing through Tynedale on June 16, 2012.

As part of day 29 of the relay, the torch was passed from Gateshead to Durham and was handed over at Prudhoe, Stocksfield, Hexham and Riding Mill before heading over the border into Consett.

For weeks building up to the relay, communities decked out their towns and villages in Olympic-themed bunting and decorations, with local schoolchildren playing their part.

Events were planned throughout the district to make a day of the occasion, with Riding Mill attracting three Olympians.

Former international runner John Cain called on his sporty friends Kevin Forster, who competed in the Seoul 1988 Olympics in the marathon, three-time Olympian John Mayock, who represented Great Britain in Atlanta in1996, Sydney in 2000 in the 1500m and in Athens in 2006 in the 5000m, and Mike McLeod who won a silver medal in the 10,000m at the Los Angeles 1984 Olympics.

There was a proud moment for Hexhamshire teenager Josie Hart as she carried the torch through Hexham while Prudhoe resident Wendy Neal paraded the torch through her home town. Other local residents carrying the torch included Hexham residents Doug Robson and Vicki Dillon, Wylam's Sam Smith and Jess Colburn, of Allendale.