CHILDREN danced and waved their flags in Carnforth this morning as the Olympic torch arrived in north Lancashire.

Young and old alike lined the streets as they awaited the prestigious flame which reached the town at 9.47am.

Pupils from local schools such as Nether Kellet Pimary and Archbishop Hutton in Warton were excited to get a glimpse of the torchbearers, which included Sheila Jefford from Kendal and Jim Lavin from Grange-over-Sands.

Nether Kellet teacher Katie Walsh described the event as ‘absolutely fabulous’. She said: “We got completely drenched in the rain but children and parents still enjoyed it.

“A man at the British Legion opened up the building so that the children could stay dry, and they had a great time dancing when he put on some music.”

Olympic sponsorship buses also got the crowd going before the town crier greeted the first torchbearer and welcomed it to the town.

Helen Barker, vice chairman of Warton Parish Council, said: “All the buses coming through were playing music and getting everyone to join in with them which the children loved. Even the police were beeping their horns.

“We all got bedraggled but children were eating their cakes and had made some torches, so they had a great time.”