Olympic Torch fever hits the district
THOUSANDS of enthusiastic spectators lined the streets today to witness the once-in-a-lifetime moment the Olympic Torch visited the district.
Cheering crowds waved their Union flags with glee as the flame travelled through Castleford, Pontefract and Ackworth on its 8,000 mile journey across the UK.
Excitement was running high when a police convoy, floats and live music signalled the arrival of the first torchbearer on Front Street in Castleford.
Over in Pontefract, an electric atmosphere crackled over Jubilee Way with people queuing two hours before the torch hit the town, blowing whistles and vuvuzelas in anticipation.
Schoolchildren watched in fascination as a roar erupted from the crowd for torchbearer Charlotte Furlong, who jogged up the road clutching the burning flame with pride.
In Ackworth, thousands of eager residents flooded the village streets to welcome the torch at Barnsley Road.
Daredevils clambered on garage roofs and scaled pub signs to get a bird’s eye view, while Moor Top roundabout was covered with people hoping to catch a glimpse of the torch before it left the district.
See next week’s Express for the full story.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Wakefield
Wednesday 19 June 2013
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 10 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: North
Tomorrow
Light rain
Temperature: 12 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: East
