IT was so pleasing to see the great numbers of people, both old and young, out in their local communities enjoying the Olympic Torch Relay and its associated ballyhoo.

While in no way taking anything away from the many runners who carried the torch whom, I’m sure, richly deserved their inclusion in the event, it would surely have been much appreciated by the residents of the towns and villages concerned to have at least one member of their own community taking part in the relay.

Listening to comments from my own neighbourhood and from views aired on local radio, it seems that even large towns such as Whitby had no one from the local populace taking part.

Obviously, the torch could not pass through every town and village and provision had to be made for worthy recipients from all areas, but it seems a shame that communities could not cheer on one of their own local heroes.

While at first being a little sceptical regarding the relay, I am now convinced that it has been of great benefit in bringing communities closer together.

Even a 70-odd year old pensioner put on his Union flag socks and joined in the celebrations with a five-year-old flag-waver and managed to get a high five from a passing motorcycle patrol officer.

Good luck to them all!

Eric Dobson, Blackhall.