Olympic torch relay in Kingston and Richmond (From Richmond and Twickenham Times)

12:27pm

Here's a video of the torch leaving Kew today...

12:16pm

Well, that's about it for our patches this morning then. How's everyone doing?

Don't stop sending us pics, you can get us on Twitter @LondonersGames, or on Facebook at facebook.com/londonersgames, or just email us directly at dlindsell@london.newsquest.co.uk and pteed@london.newsquest.co.uk

Thanks for reading! I'll pop up some more things shortly...

12:11pm

Was anyone in Wandsworth to see 'Tiger' Tim Henman light the Olympic beacon last night? 

Full story is here: http://bit.ly/NHQrPT

12:07pm

Here's a story about how Surbiton basked in the glow of the Olympic torch...

http://bit.ly/NSJcTA

12:01pm

Ann Beatty has done her stint. Good for you Ann. 

How are things elsewhere? All over in Kingston? Richmond rocking or has it settled now?

11:43am

Meanwhile, the crowd has gone wild for David Ramsey, who has a learning disability, epilepsy and cerebral palsy, as he takes the torch.

David is an active member of the community access service in Hounslow and in particular loves kayaking and gardening.

11:41am

Torchbearer Oli Golding, from Brentford, has just moved from Twickenham.

The 18-year-old said: "I will definitely remember this for the rest of my life. I feel really special and just to be here feels amazing.

"It's a great opportunity."

All pictures from Kew seem to look like this. I don't think you're allowed on the grass...

11:37am

So what are our crowd estimates for Kingston and Richmond today?

Yesterday, it was estimated 45 - 50,000 people turned out in Sutton. More or less do you think?

11:35am

Daniel Devitt, 45, from Hackney, now running.

He was chosen in recognition of is work fighting health inequalities and social exclusion.

Waving like a good 'un he is too! Good for you Daniel.

11:30am

Anyone watching from Merton - here's a round-up of the events in your borough yesterday - featuring the likes of Sue Barker and Andy Murray...

http://bit.ly/OW1D8s

11:29am

Raymond Oxlade has had the torch...

11:28am

Here's a video of flag-waving madness in Richmond. Similar hysteria has been in evidence across south London in recent days...

11:21am

Gurpal Virdi, the first Asian person to join the Met in 1982, has now taken on the flame...

11:17am

We're off! The Kew break is over, and Paul Woodham, who devotes annual leave to taking disabled children on holiday with charity SENSE, as well as working with the Samaritans group, is getting us going again with aplomb...

11:13am

How about another torch fact? Oh, alright then...

The flame is able to withstand an altitude of 4,500 ft above sea level.

And...

At the end of the 70-day relay, the Olympic flame will have travelled on 68 different modes of transport.

You're welcome.

11:06am

These people are waiting outside Kew too, just as I am, in a weird, post-modernist sense...

10:56am

John Harding said before his run: “This is quite humbling. I’ve been nominated for my charity work by my garden centre, My family are here. You’ll hear them before you see them.”

10:50am

The torch is in Kew Gardens, probably loving the serene surroundings.

So, in the meantime, have a look at this amazing picture of my favourite torchbearer today (if I'm allowed to day that), Eileen Gray, taken by Sam Wansborough...

10:46am

Lauren Corti, nine, watched the relay in Richmond. She said: “It was awesome.”

10:45am

With the torch minutes away from Kew Gardens, Jill Deviney is staying at the Coach and Horses and has taken time off work to see the relay.

She said: “I’m excited to see the torch. It really is such a lovely event. We are so lucky with the weather.”

10:32am

Such was the level of excitement in Richmond that workers even climbed on to the roof of Ted Baker to get the very best vantage points, as thousands watched the torch go by.

 

Paul Teed, RTTimes chief reporter

10:31am

Those getting frustrated in Kingston earlier reminded me of this torch fact, which I thought I'd share with you...

There are 14 vehicles in the Olympic Torch Relay convoy. The lead convoy is 5-7 minutes ahead of the flame convoy, which features the Torchbearers.

So now you know...

10:29am

Maanik Chadda, reporting for the RTTimes from Ham where the torch arrived, spoke to Jane Morrisson, 47, from Ham.

She said: “There were so many enthusiastic people. It was brilliant, an amazing turnout.

“It’s the occasion more than anything else and it was great watching thousands of people come across the green, We’re coming on Friday too when it comes along the river.”

10:26am

As the torch makes its way to Kew, James Hardwick, chairman of the British Heart Foundation in Farnham, Surrey, has taken on the torch...

10:25am

A picture from Susan Ellis - more fun in Ham. Make sure you get some sun cream on folks, it's a scorcher!

I saw one of those Samsung inflatable batons, burst, on the pavement as I walked home last night. It was quite sad.

Anyway...

10:23am

Anyway, back to Sarah Austin in Richmond, who is a young leader at the 1st Iver Heath Cub pack.

Her father is a Scout leader and her younger brother is also a Scout.

Sarah, who has cerebral palsy, wants to be a journalist and was nominated to be a yorchbearer by the editorial board of children's newspaper, First News.

Give us a call Sarah, you can have my job doing live blogs!

10:22am

Did you know the torch has already travelled by Tube today? From Wimbledon to Wimbledon Park...

10:19am

Moya Morrison and family enjoyed the torch travelling through Ham just minutes ago...

10:18am

Just a handshake there at the handover. Very prim and proper after the high fives...

10:15am

What a lovely leg of the relay this would be to run - into Kew Gardens. Crowds looking forward to it!

10:13am

Jacqueline Dixon now carrying the torch.

She ran her first Marathon at the age of 50 in aid of charity Get Kids Going, which sponsors children and young wheelchair athletes to become paralympians.

10:11am

10:11am

Torch has passed the Petersham bend and near the iconic Star and Garter Home, rapidly approaching Richmond town centre.

10:10am

A lovely shot from earlier, when the torch arrived in the Market Place, Kingston...

10:09am

Some fatherly pride from Chris Hardwick, father of torchbearer James Hardwick, 24, who should arrive with the torch in Richmond town centre at 10.25am.

The whole family is camped out waiting for his arrival.

10:00am

Big high five at that torch handover. I'm loving high fives during this relay - be it the police as they pass crowds or the torchbearers themselves.

9:59am

Kate received it from Ian Muxlow, from Northolt, who has been a Cub leader for 15 years and also assists in a number of musical societies.

9:58am

Back to the torch:

Torch now in Upper Richmond Road being carried by Twickenham resident Kate Filochowski, who spends her weekends as a hockey coach and gives huge amounts of time working with Sea Cadets.

9:58am

Here's the gang on the greengrocer stall in Kingston. All healthy despite the excitement starvation last night!

Lance Fleming, 18, Sue Suffin, 67, Holly Goshawk,9, Demi Newman, 8, Tony Goshawk and Michelle...

9:56am

Christine Fleming's final reaction piece from Kingston - you could always tweet us your reaction using #kingstontorch - is now in...

Tony Goshawk, who runs Tony's greengrocer on the Market Place, found himself invaded by the whole family as he had a prime viewing spot.

His mother, Sue Suffin, 67, said: "I was so excited. I have been up since 5.30am and last night I was too excited and I couldn't eat my dinner."

Remember people, starving yourself through excitement is not advisable. It is exciting though!

9:53am

Richmond spectator David Kearsey, 65, of Twickenham, is in Richmond town centre.

He said: “We’re very excited. There’s so much history in Richmond, it needs to come through places like this. And the weather is superb.”

Indeed it is, and according to our forecast, looks set to stay that way. Lovely stuff.

9:49am

Let's have a look at the weather for Richmond shall we as we move that way?

9:46am

Simon Moore, SW London football stalwart who runs Kenchels FC, has completed his stint with the flame.

9:45am

Here's Linda, who didn't know the torch was coming until watching the news this morning. That is excellent - and great timing!

9:43am

More reaction from Christine Fleming in Kingston, who has filed this:

Batista Lodhia, 28, of Woodbrook Street, Kingston, said even though she could hear the action from her flat she just had to come down and see it for herself.

She said: "It was great, it was exciting and it is kind of good to see everyone together.

"I could hear it from my flat and it was just amazing to see the vast amount of people in Kingston this morning."

One woman who's glad she watched the news this morning is Linda Matthews, 53, of Holly Hedge Road, Cobham.

She said: "It was brilliant, I got here about just gone 8am.

"I only realised it was in Kingston this morning when I watched the news."

Can you believe that? I think Linda must be the ONLY person in these parts who was unaware of the torch relay! Brilliant.

9:41am

Tadeusz Liecau, a table tennis player and coach, is now carrying the torch...

9:39am

Here's a picture for Josephine Campbell (see 9.09am entry) - a great shot of James Cracknell carrying the torch...

9:36am

Here are the neighbours from Fairfield who made a family outing of their torch-watching in Kingston:

9:35am

Current torchbearer Percy Hutchful is really making the most of 'his time to shine' - as the organisers call it.

Good on you Percy!

9:33am

Meanwhile, in Kingston, groups are reflecting on their moment in the glow of the torch...

One group of neighbours from Fairfield made it a real community event and came down together.

Kevin Rudd, 40, said he really enjoyed seeing the torch as did his four-year-old daughter, Mariko.

Mariko said: "It was great. It was exciting."

Neighbour Liza Shuff added: "I was just amazed by how many people were here."

9:32am

Paul Teed from the RT Times is in Richmond:

The family of Sarah Austin, 15, have set up camp on the corner of George Street, in Richmond town centre, to see her pick up the flame at about 10.20am.

An army of friends and relatives have travelled to Richmond to cheer on Sarah, who suffers from cerebral palsy.

Her mum, Jayne, said: “She is excited but really nervous, she is really looking forward to it. She realises it’s a big honour.”

Her dad, Sam, said his daughter was bursting with pride.

He added: “She has got a lovely place to run here with lots of people.”

Good luck one and all!

9:30am

This is a video from the start of the relay in Hook this morning... Were you there?

9:28am

Meanwhile, Kim McLean has the torch now, clearly enjoying the run in the sunshine. 

It does look great in the sun doesn't it?

9:28am

"Even the Kingfisher Leisure Centres mascot was out to see the torch!"

Pictured with Letitia Morgan, 22, Sales Manager and her sister Jemini, 19.

9:26am

9:26am

And finally the torch passes through the Market place to woops and cheers from the crowds...

What a frustrated bunch down there!

9:24am

Right into the heart of Kingston now after Josie Inverdale's stint. 

9:14am

Charity stalwart Richard Lynas has now completed his stint and has passed the torch on.

Shortly, we will have John Inverdale's daughter, Josie.

9:13am

Meanwhile, Christine Fleming encounters what many of us did yesterday, after that initial expectation passes...

"The crowd are getting antsy as they continue to wait to see the Olympic flame pass.

"Performers and floats have passed now where is the torch?"

9:12am

Laura Proto in Kingston: "The torch has just passes county hall with massive cheers from the crowds who gathered.

"A tremendous atmosphere with so many Kingstoners out to support those in the torch relay."

9:11am

Rachel Bishop is in Richmond as excitement starts to build.

She said: "Richmond station is not too busy at the moment, but spectators are starting to gather along the route about an hour before the torch arrives."

Rachel met the Jones family - Seren, nine, Nell, four, Osian, six, and Evan, eight - from Richmond, who came to see the torch as a start of their summer holidays.

9:09am

Meanwhile, a real Olympic love story is emerging after James Cracknell's run this morning...

Josephine Campbell said she wasn't too bothered about seeing the torch as long as she got a glimpse of Mr Cracknell.

Olympic spirit? Pah!

9:07am

Networking student Vida Gani now has the flame as it heads for Kingston Market Place...

8:58am

From Laura Proto in Kingston:

Tania Rocks, 30, works at Surrey County Council: "It's an amazing experience. It's so nice that we can all be together and support everybody in the Olympics. It's a real family occasion."

K2 bus drivers are getting into the spirit, beeping their horns for the crowd to get them cheering...

8:55am

Crowds ready in Market Place, Kingston...

8:53am

Netball player Sophia Roberts now has the torch!

The Tolworth Girls’ School pupil said before the event she was "excited" about her run.

"I am very excited. I feel very lucky to be running in my own borough."

8:52am

Very busy along Penrhyn Road with crowds gathering outside Kingston university and County Hall.

Maxim Bennett, four, Raphaella Bennett, two, Oscar House, eight, Daisy Bradley, nine, Henry Bradley, four, Ava House, three and Bella Williams, two.

What a day for it though!

8:47am

I'm intruiged by the people sitting on buses as the torch passes in the opposite direction. 

Would you be angry about being delayed, or would you be happy about seeing the flame so close-up?

8:45am

8:42am

It's a family day out for the Rasulov's who have travelled from Epsom to see the torch in Kingston.

Zak Rasulov, 34, brought wife Monserrat,40, and son Raul, two and a half, to see the historic event.

He said: "It is great - just lovely.

"I am making a whole album for my son of today as it is a one of a kind opportunity and we are never going to get it, the Olympics, again in our lifetime."

8:41am

Here's a video of a band getting started at the launch of the Olympic torch this morning:

8:39am

Another quote worth adding from the fantastic Eileen Gray, who had an early start today:

"We have got to be ready by 6am though, which has not cheered me up very much."

Legend.

8:37am

Kingston College has certainly pulled out all the stops!

Picture from Laura Proto:

8:35am

Now a very special torchbearer takes up the role, great-grandmother, pensioner and women’s cycling pioneer Eileen Gray.

The 92-year-old said before the event: “I have a had a big life. It is quite difficult when you reach my age.

"I am 92, but I will be making the most of it. I have got lots of friends helping me.

"It is a great honour."

Enjoy it Eileen!

8:31am

Badminton teacher Jonathan Street is now carrying the torch.

8:31am

Here are the performers in Kingston:

8:29am

From Christine Fleming in Kingston:

"Crowds are gathering in the Market Place as the excitement surrounding today's torch appearance hits up.

"Outside the Market House the pavements are full of spectators and the square has been taken over by performers from the Seoul Institute of the Arts who are about to kick off the entertainment."

8:29am

Fellow Brunel Uni alumni James Cracknell did a great job. Joe Smale now has the torch...

8:26am

Yes, it's alight! Mr Cracknell has it!

8:23am

So here we go. Excited?

8:21am

Here's your weather for Kingston this morning. Smashing.

8:20am

8:17am

The Surrey Comet's Christine Fleming is down in Kingston town centre for the torch relay.

She wrote:

It's 45 minutes before the torch reaches Kingston town centre but already people are staking out their viewing positions.

One person with a prime viewing spot is Go Kingston volunteer Michelle Ranasinghe.

The 17-year-old student, of Hook Rise South, has been up since before 7am and can't wait to see the torch.

She said: "Our job is to let the torch go through smoothly and stop people coming and jumping out.

"It's the closest I can get to the real Olympics."

8:08am

Kingston Mayor, Mary Heathcote OBE, is also down at the start.

She said: "It has been a privilege to meet all the runners they have all done something amazing really great for their communities.

"Even they are not all from the royal borough, they all deserve to be recognised."

8:07am

There is more detailed information on the Kingston leg of the torch relay in this story: http://bit.ly/MTKYTH

8:02am

I love this quote from Councillor Margaret Thompson:

"Hook was mentioned in the Domesday Book. It has since led a quiet life.

"This is probably the biggest thing to ever happen in Hook."

Brilliant.

7:58am

Another crack, Cracknell fact...

He won two Olympic golds - at Sydney and at Athens - and six, yes six, world championship golds.

7:57am

Nazia down at the start has caught up with 80-year-old Barbara Connors, from Roebuck Road.

She said: "I'm very excited - I am 80 and I have never seen the totch before and I will never see the torch again."

7:53am

Ed Davey is down at the preparations for the Kingston Olympic torch relay - but he can't hang around.

Perhaps he thinks this governing the country lark is more important. Crazy talk.

He said: "I think everyone is really excited at the moment.

"There are so many people out here really looking forward to the games.

"I will have to go soon to Whitehall though."

7:50am

7:28am

So, the torch today travels from Kingston to Ealing, via Richmond, including a trip to Richmond Park. The first set of times are:

8:22 Kingston
8:22 Hook Community Centre
8:27 Elm Road
8:28 Hook Road A243
8:44 Upper Brighton Road A243
8:55 Victoria Road
8:59 Claremont Road
9:04 Surbiton Crescent
9:07 Surbiton Road A240
9:08 Penrhyn Road A240
9:14 Kingston Hall Road A307
9:16 High Street
9:18 Market Place
9:20 Clarence Street
9:26 Wood Street A307
9:27 Kingsgate Road A307
9:30 Richmond Road A307

So be aware of traffic problems in these areas.

7:26am

Our reporter Nazia Dewji has spoken to james Cracknell ahead of him starting the torch relay in Kingston this morning.

He said: "I went to school around here and learned to row here so it is the perfect location to carry the torch.

"We are only 12 miles from the park so it is getting close.

"We can really feel the excitement  here so many people have turned up enthusiastic at 7am - you don't really get to feel all this as an athlete.

"It's not often I get to run in 001."

7:22am

7:21am

Good morning! This morning sees Kingston and Richmond welcome the Olympic torch. You can keep up-to-date with the flame every step of the way by following this blog.

And you can get involved by leaving comments below, tweeting us @LondonersGames using #kingstontorch and #richmondtorch, or via Facebook at www.facebook.com/londonersgames