FOLLOW the Olympic torch as it makes its way through Colchester and Hatfield Peverel.

Thousands of people lined the streets of Essex to catch a glimpse of the Olympic Torch.

Crowds defied the heavy rain to watch the Olympic Torch Relay continue its historic journey through Colchester this morning.

Excited people of all ages waved Union Jack flags, balloons and had their faces painted to celebrate the countdown to London 2012.

Romina Betts travelled with daughter Allanagh Betts, from Gosfield, to see the famous flame and didn’t let the wet weather dampen their spirits.

She said: “We left home at 5.30am to be sure of getting a good viewing spot.

“It’s an amazing experience and wonderful to see.

“It’s just a piece of history in the making and wonderful for the country and we wanted to share in that.”

Torchbearers chosen to carry the flame through Colchester included George Walkett, 18, from Manningtree, who was nominated in recognition of his voluntary work at his local RSPCA branch.

Today’s procession has also passed through Hatfield Peverel, Heybridge, Maldon and Rayleigh.

It is due to visit Southend-on-Sea, Hadleigh, Basildon, Grays, Herongate and Brentwood before arriving in Chelmsford where it will stop overnight with a celebration at Hylands Park.

Yesterday around 153,000 people flocked to towns across Suffolk with dozens of torchbearers carrying the flame through Lowestoft, Wrentham, Reydon, Southwold, Kelsale, Saxmundham and Aldeburgh.

It then made its way to Wickham Market, Ufford, Melton, Woodbridge, Felixstowe and Ipswich.