(19 May 2012) STORYLINE
The Olympic torch began its 70-day journey through Britain on Saturday, with British yachtsman Ben Ainslie starting the first leg of the relay at the remote southwestern outpost of Land's End in Cornwall.
Several thousand people gathered before sunrise, entertained by acrobats and fire-eaters, before the flame arrived.
Standing at the famous Land's End signpost, Ainslie's torch was lit and the relay was on.
He completed his 300-metre (yard) leg at a walk for most of the time, stopping to let people touch the torch and take photos.
Afterward passing the torch to a second runner, Ainslie described the experience as surreal.
"That's the great thing about this torch," said Ainslie, Britain's most successful Olympic yachtsman.
"It gives everyone a chance to feel proud about the Olympics as it goes around the country over the next couple of months."
Some of the spectators who watched the start of the relay wore typically eccentric British garb.
Others had travelled from abroad to witness the event.
"It was absolutely fantastic," said Pia Rainey from Amsterdam.
Tom Hammon came from closer to home but shared the same sentiment.
"It's just the right start for the Olympics," he commented.
The torch will cover an 8,000-mile (12,875-kilometre) journey around the United Kingdom and Ireland before forming the centrepiece at the opening ceremony of the 30th Olympic Games in London.
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