THOUSANDS of people waving flags and wearing Olympic-themed hats lined the streets of Abergavenny to see the Olympic Torch.

Spectators began gathering in the town centre that was decorated with bunting around two hours before the procession was expected to arrive in Abergavenny.

Hundreds of excited schoolchildren from across Monmouthshire gathered on Frogmore Street and patiently waiting for the first glimpse of the Olympic flame.

Many waved Union Jack flags and blew whistles.

Among the torch bearers preparing to run through the town was retired yoga teacher, Dorothy Turner, 70, from Caldicot. She was nominated by her husband Maurice because of her dedication to yoga over more than 40 years. She trained to teach the art and qualified with the British Wheel of Yoga, holding seven classes a week for 140 people until her retirement last year.

Moments before taking part she said she was proud and honoured to be carrying the torch.

"I’m nervous and excited," added Mrs Turner who ran the last leg of the relay from Waitrose to Coopers Way, Llanfoist.

Fellow Torch bearer- Sean Lewis, 16 of Llanbradach sat his A-Level Physics exam at 7am in Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhymni School before dashing to Abergavenny for the relay, and admitted he was nervous but thrilled to run from Union Road to Waitrose.

Mr Lewis, of Garden Street, was nominated by mum Julie in the Coca Cola future Flames competition after dedicating much of his time to teaching youngsters to play hockey in Caerphilly.

People began cheering and clapping as the convoy made its way along Frogmore Street towards the War Memorial and erupted when they saw the torch bearer carrying the flame.

Over 100 children from Rogerstone Primary School donned Olympic Flame inspired hats and waved their flags as they saw the torch pass by.

Year two teacher Carinne Burke said: "They have been so excited to see the torch and have learnt all about the relay."

Bethany Love, a teaching assistant at Cantref Primary School had come with 120 pupils from the school.

She said: "It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity and they are just so excited."

Mum-of-three Emma Long, 35, of Park Street, Abergavenny was among the spectators with daughters Maisie, aged 19 weeks and Poppy, aged two-and-a half.

She said: "I am so proud to see this. It might never happen again in my lifetime. The atmosphere and camaraderie here today is heart-warming," she added.

The crowd erupted in loud cheers when they saw the torchbearer make her way along Frogmore Street towards the War Memorial and it made its way to Llanfoist.

New Mayor Sam Dodd, 37, then led a procession through the town and the crowds then followed the convoy to Llanfoist.