OLYMPIC TORCH: 9am Ore is bloomin’ ready for the torch.

Loads of Union Jack flags were being waved with children from Red Lake School in Ore, Hastings Academy and Sandown School out in force. There was a carnival atmosphere for the occasion, with hundreds of residents, including shopkeepers, out on Old London Road weaving thorugh the village.

The torch was due to arrive in Ore shortly after 9.10am.

Heidi Hampson, who is part of Ore in Bloom, said: “It is a one off thing which we will never see in our lifetime. We were down in Hastings town centre lats night and it was a momentous occasion. It is great that the Olympic Games have come to the UK and it is great to see the torch actually on our doorstep.”

Danny Cranford from St Leonards added: “It is is exciting the torch is coming to Ore and really puts the village on the map.”

Nine-year-old Stanley Blanchard has already been to London to see the new Olympic Stadium. Waiting by the roadside he said: “It is quite nice seeing the torch come through. I was in the town centre yesterday and it was nice memories which I’ll always remember.”

Eileen Gilroy lives in Old London Road and she was loving the atmosphere. “The community and all the shopkeepers have been brilliant by showing their support. It is lovely to see so many people out in the village.”