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 in the last two days.

People turned out en masse to wave, cheer and catch a glimpse of the Olympic flame as it passed its way through the county.

As 1948 was the last time the torch came to the UK, for many this will have been a once-in-a-lifetime occasion. And it really did show off the best Oxfordshire has to offer.

From the flame’s arrival in Bicester on Monday afternoon to its departure from Wallingford on Tuesday morning, the enthusiasm for this symbol of sporting excellence was clear to behold.

There were many worthy carriers, with ages ranging from 12 to 87. Perhaps, most memorable, though, was East Hendred resident Malcolm Fretter.

Mr Fretter, a paraplegic, carried the flame before lighting the cauldron to mark the beginning of Oxford’s South Park celebration event on Monday night.

The eruption of applause from the thousands in the crowd was a fitting tribute for his efforts.

It was just one of many special moments that Oxfordshire people will no doubt treasure for years to come.