PEOPLE from north Oxfordshire played their part in the Olympic torch relay as it arrived to Oxfordshire.

Although the procession did not come through Banbury, residents appeared across Oxfordshire – and further afield – holding the famous flame aloft.

Ahead of them all was 1st Bodicote Scout leader Keith Church, 45, who carried it in Haverhill, near Cambridge, on Saturday.

Cubs and Scouts made the journey for Mr Church’s appearance, which took place as the rain made way for sunshine.

Mr Church, from Bloxham Road, Banbury, was nominated by colleagues for his work with the movement. He said: “I don’t usually like to be the centre of attention, so I was nervous when I was waiting for the flame to be transferred to me.

“My nerves disappeared as soon as I heard the Cubs and Scouts cheering and shouting my name.

“They were all holding out their hands to me as I ran past.”

The dad-of-three will show visitors the torch at the Bodicote Scout Fete on September 16.

The flame came to Bicester, Kirtlington, Woodstock and Kidlington on Monday, where Robin Gardner, 54, was among the torchbearers.

The Milcombe resident was nominated by Jon Hater, his former manager at Chipping Norton’s Co-op, for his dedication to the company, including 34 years without a sick day.

Mr Gardner said: “It was brilliant, I absolutely loved it. I was quite nervous when it approached but once I got hold of it and started running, I forgot about it. The crowd was amazing.”

The torch continued to Oxford, where a celebration event for 20,000 ticket-holders was held on South Park on Monday night.

The next morning it left for Wallingford where torchbearers included Dave Earle, who runs the Spit ’n’ Sawdust gym in North Bar Street, Banbury.

Mr Earle – also a member of Banbury Town Council – was nominated by a cousin for his sporting work with youngsters, including visits to schools and colleges.

And Banbury’s Will Traves, 13, helped carry the torch at Nettlebed.

The pupil at Bloxham’s Warriner School, was nominated by mum Beverley for the care shown to sister Victoria, 17, who has cerebral palsy and severe learning difficulties.

Other torchbearers from the area who carried the flame during the two days were Carly Castle, Graham Warland, Jemma Moore and Rebecca Scott.