BRENTWOOD residents said seeing the torch relay was a moment they will never forget.
Thousands of residents packed Shenfield Common and lined the route from Herongate to Brentwood.
Homeowners held private parties on their driveways and took advantage of flags and whistles being handed out by the various sponsors.
Steve Griffiths, 34, of Doddinghurst Road, Brentwood, said: "It's a momentous occasion.
"There's never been this many people out in town before at once, that I can remember, it's really brought people together."
Hetty Edwards, 26, of Warescot Road, Brentwood, said: "I was really keen to come out and see it.
"You can follow the torch online but it's not the same. The atmosphere here is amazing and it's a once in a lifetime opportunity.
"I'm just so pleased it came to Brentwood."
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