TWO of the town’s sport stars were cheered on as they carried the Olympic Torch along part of the route yesterday.

Tennis star Elena Baltacha, who will be competing in the singles and doubles for Team GB, proudly ran with the flame through the streets St Peter’s, Kent, in front of packed crowds.

She said: “A few of people who went before me were a bit teary and I thought ‘I’ll be fine’ but as soon as my torch was lit I was crying my eyes out.

“It was a wonderful feeling and it’s fantastic that so many people turned out to see us all. I think it’s great that people all over the country are getting excited about the Olympics.

“It’s a big honour to carry the torch and it’s something I’ll remember forever.”

Swimmer Karen Pickering, who competed in four Olympic Games, was also among the torchbearers and was handed the flame by artist Tracey Emin.

She carried the flame in Margate and said the atmosphere in the town was “absolutely amazing”.