Skip to content

Olympic Flame greeted by ?Robin Hood? and former Olympians

Former Olympic ice dance champions Jane Torvill and Christopher Dean and fabled character Robin Hood have become the latest famous faces to greet the Olympic Flame, as the London 2012 Torch Relay made its way from Grimsby to Derby over the last three days.

Day 40 of the Torch Relay started in dramatic fashion with Torchbearer Alan Ellison abseiling down the Dock Tower at Grimsby Docks. Alan was nominated to carry the Torch for his extensive fundraising for local charities over the last 15 years.

The Flame then travelled more than 111 miles on its way to Lincoln, with Torchbearer Starr Halley, who was nominated for her courageous battle with a severe brain tumour, carrying it on Skegness Beach.

Throughout the day a number of aircraft welcomed the Flame by taking part in fly-bys as the Torch travelled through the region, with an RAF Typhoon flying over Skegness, an E3-D in Bracebridge Heath and finally the Red Arrows performing a fly over during the Evening Celebration in Lincoln.

The following day saw the Flame visit sites including Lincoln Cathedral and Major Oak in Nottingham?s Sherwood Forest ? an oak tree that is between 800 and 1,000 years old ? where Torchbearer Laura Graves, who was nominated for her outstanding sporting accomplishments and inspirational work with young people, was greeted by ?Robin Hood?.

The day ended with former Olympic champions Torvill and Dean taking to the ice at Nottingam Ice Arena to perform a specially choreographed routine with the Torch in hand.

After an Evening Celebration at Old Market Square in Nottingham City Centre, the Torch Relay continued on Friday, passing Nottingham Castle and the Robin Hood Statue, travelling on the Heights of Abraham cable car and visiting Chatsworth House on its journey to Derby.

On its way, the Flame was carried by 83-year-old Donald Scott, who competed in boxing at the 1948 Olympic Games in London, and former World Superbike Champion James Toseland.

Find out more about the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay Presenting Partners.

Find out more about the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay