DESPITE an early start the Olympic Torch Relay drew huge crowds to Chelmsford.
After a spectacular event at Hylands Park on Friday night to celebrate the torch being in the city, it was an early start for the flame as it left Anglia Ruskin University just before 7am.
But the crowds turned out in force and made the most of the occasion.
Thousands of people lined the route through the city centre.
Pauline Thomas, 52, of Hollis Lock, Chelmsford, said: "The amount of people is phenomenal.
"I was surprised by the amount of people but it is such an occasion that I can appreciate people didn't want to miss it.
"The atmosphere really was something to behold."
Terry Juniper, 44, of Broomfield Road, said: "Times like this are fantastic, you can't beat a bit of national pride."
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