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Sir Steve carrying the Olympic torch

MARLOW's national rowing champion Sir Steve Redgrave carried the Olympic torch on the first leg of its journey through London today.

Five-time Gold medallist and Little Marlow resident Sir Steve began the London leg of the torch's world tour in the centre circle of Wembley Stadium, before carrying it outside in front of hundreds of spectators.

Protesters against the host of this year's Olympic Games, China, and its human rights record in Tibet, tried to disrupt the ceremony, which took place in the square outside Wembley Arena.

As Sir Steve passed the torch to athlete Cheyenne Green and they ran to board an open top bus, just after 10.30am, a small group of protesters attempted to get in the way of the procession.

Three of the protesters tried to follow the athletes on to the bus, in Engineers Way, Wembley, but were detained by police, who had a heavy presence at the ceremony.

Around eight people were arrested in Wembley for offences including breach of the peace. More protesters have been arrested as the torch has continued its journey through London.

The torch lighting ceremony started at 9.30am, featuring a number of local music and dance groups entertaining the spectators who had braved the snowy conditions.

Councillor Harshadbhai Patel, Mayor of Brent, welcomed Sir Steve and the torch on stage before it set off on its tour of the capital.

One of the protestors is restrained by a policeman

He said: "It is an immense honour and pleasure for me to welcome back the Olympic torch to Wembley.

"This torch relay has a special significance for people in the UK, and with Wembley set to be an Olympic venue at the next games, it is fitting and symbolic that the relay starts here."

Ulla Thessen, 55, has come from Mapesbury to see the ceremony, and was not put off by the protests.

She said: "It was terrific and so is Wembley Stadium. I only hope we have a lot of other stadiums like it ready by the time the Olympics comes here.

"I think the police handled the protesters well, and they didn't let it disrupt what was happening."

The torch is now being carried on a tour through London, ending this evening at the O2 Arena in Greenwich.

3:28pm Sunday 6th April 2008

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