FLAGS were flying and there was a carnival atmosphere as a historic Suffolk market town welcomed the start of the official Olympic Games in style.

The streets of Framlingham were transformed into a festival of nations to herald the beginning of London 2012 yesterday evening.

Months of meticulous planning and preparation came to fruition with hundreds of well wishers turning out in force to watch the opening ceremony live on a giant screen on Market Hill.

The celebrations started with an Olympic Flag Parade from Framlingham College to the town centre - featuring every nation competing at the Games.

The procession also featured a number of Torchbearers who had the honour of carrying the flame when it passed through the region earlier this month.

St Michael’s Church and Framlingham Castle were also lit up in the colours of the Olympic rings, while there was also a patriotic feel as the parade was led by a red double decker London Routemaster bus, loaned by Patt Betts.

The event, which ended with a colourful fireworks display, was fronted by Framlingham Business Association (FBA) and supported by a number of other organisations in the town.

Karen Haynes, secretary of the FBA said: “It was an absolutely stunning event and the highlight for me was seeing all the colourful flags in front of the castle and college. It was a typically British scene and one that will stick in the minds of the 204 participants and the foreign students who joined the parade, for years to come. Anyone in Framlingham who was apathetic about the Olympics before this will certainly be enthused after this.”

She added: “We would like to thank Suffolk highways department for being so accommodating with the road closures and for helping us to make this go so smoothly. Everyone has been so supportive and we have all been blown away by how well it has gone.”