Oxfordshire takes centre stage at Olympic opening ceremony (From Oxford Mail)

Oxfordshire takes centre stage at Olympic opening ceremony

9:27am Saturday 28th July 2012 in News By Chris Buratta

THE spectacular ceremony to kick off London 2012 culminated with a young Oxford rower lighting the Olympic Cauldron.

Oxford’s Cameron MacRitchie was chosen by Sir Steve Redgrave to be one of seven young athletes to light the cauldron in the centre of the stadium to mark the beginning of the Games.

The 19-year-old rising star is a former St Edward’s School pupil.

It capped a night of Oxfordshire involvement at the Olympic Stadium.

Brize Norton servicemen Squadron Leader Tal Lambert and Sergeant Gary Main were involved in flag raising ceremonies.

And South Oxfordshire resident Rowan Atkinson brought his unique brand of humour to the occasion when  Mr Bean starred in a performance of Chariots of Fire.

Even an Oxford-built Mini had a cameo role in last night's spectacle that attracted a global audience  in the billions.

Prime Minister and Witney MP David Cameron, with wife Samantha, was at the opening.

If you were there email our newsdesk

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