THERE can be few events in recent memory that have attracted the same level of excitement as the Olympic torch visit.

As many as 100,000 people are estimated to have lined the streets of Oxford and its surrounding towns and villages in the last two days.

And while there were many worthy torch holders yesterday, one or two stood out.

Sir Roger Bannister has been synonymous with sporting achievement since he ran the first sub four-minute mile back in 1954. So it was fitting for him to take the torch at the same Iffley Road running track where he made his name more than half a century ago.

The joy on the 83-year-old’s face at being able to carry the Olympic Flame is clear to see from the photographs in our paper today.

It was that same spirit that led thousands of Oxfordshire residents to take to the streets in the early hours of yesterday morning to catch a glimpse of this very special occasion.