10 YEARS AGO - When the Olympic Torch came to town

COMMUNITY spirit was shining brightly as the Olympic Torch Relay lit up a trail of beaming faces and cheering crowds across Rotherham.

Early morning mist lifted in the nick of time as months of waiting came to an end as 16 proud torchbearers were finally given their moment to shine.

The Advertiser was allowed exclusive access on the media truck during the flame’s hour-long stay in the borough.

Thousands of Rotherham folk were up early to snatch prime viewing spots and hundreds of brightly-dressed torch fans were already lining Sheffield Road by 8am.

Children’s charity worker Tracy Haycox was nominated as a torchbearer for her work helping young runaways through Dinnington’s SAFE@LAST.

She said: “It was awesome. I can hardly describe the pride and the feeling of being out there running.”

Advertiser, June 29, 2012