CHILDREN from Grasmere Primary School welcomed the Olympic Torch to the village this evening to the sound of cheers and rhythmic drumming.

Pupils entertained the gathered crowd of hundreds as they awaited the torch's arrival, performing songs and dances.

Paying tribute to each of the United Kingdom's countries, the youngsters sang songs from Scotland, Ireland and Wales which they had perfected in the native languages, as well as a 13th century melody in Middle English.

There were cheers from the crowd as 28-year-old Xabier Murgui Reta, who had travelled all the way from Spain, ran onto Broadgate Meadow.

He was nominated for the honour by his colleagues for his contribution to fair trade events and his 'spirit of self-improvement'.

Waiting patiently on the field was Philip Barker, 12, put forward by his mum Caroline for his help as a carer to her when she struggles with arthritis.

He said he was nervous but 'really excited' about carrying the torch.

The youngster from Dalton-in-Furness said: "When I saw on television last year that people would be able to carry the torch I wanted to be one.

"I am so proud to be a part of it all and my mum is proud of me too."

Brothers Tom and John Harrison from the village, aged 72 and 74, said they had a fantastic time at the event.

Tom said: "It has been really brilliant. It is great to be a part of it all and fantastic that Grasmere was chosen to be on the route."

Westmorland and Lonsdale MP, Tim Farron was disappointed not to play the role of goalkeeper in a penalty shoot-out at the event – a sports day for the school was cancelled in the wet weather.

But he said kicking off the evening's Cumbrian relay in Grasmere had made him 'incredibly excited' and praised the village school's children for their performances.

He said: “I feel quite emotional really. I am very proud to see it enter Westmorland and see the whole community turn out to welcome it.

“Despite the weather, it has been really fantastic.”

After leaving Broadgate Meadow, the torch was carried through the village before being transported to Ambleside and on board historic vessel, the Tern, to cross Windermere.