Thousands of people greet the Olympic Torch in Staffordshire

TENS of thousands of people lined the streets of Staffordshire to welcome the Olympic Torch, as flag waving crowds turned the occasion into a giant street party.

Business were today said to be reaping the rewards, with some reporting takings had almost doubled on the day.

Around 25,000 people are estimated to have lined the streets of Lichfield city, with a further 3,000 watching in Streethay and Hopwas.

Thousands more descended on Great Wyrley and Newtown in Essington, where boyband The Wanted helped whip the crowd into a frenzy when they appeared as special celebrity torchbearers.

The Olympic Flame started its journey through the country with a visit to the National Memorial Arboretum,m travelling through Streethay before heading into Lichfield, Hopwas and on to Tamworth.

It later returned along the A34 through Great Wyrley and Newtown, before heading to Walsall.

Businesses along the route today reported bumper crowds.

Customers were said to have been queuing out the door at The Village newsagents and convenience store in Walsall Road, Great Wyrley.

Supervisor Abbey Griffiths said: "We were really busy and there were queues all down the aisles and out the doors.

"We were selling all sorts of things really. As soon as the Torch had passed by we got even busier because people had been waiting for it for so long and were hungry and thirsty.

"We'd stocked up on extra supplies and had a big delivery come in on Friday."

At Masons Bar and Restaurant in Stafford Road, Newtown, bosses said takings had doubled.

Owner Jane Kelly said: "We were really busy and it was a brilliant day, everyone seemed to have a good time."

Meanwhile, Meli Nicolaou, owner of Coco Meli bakery stall in Lichfield, said business was up around 50 per cent.

"We had a great day and it was nice to see the city so busy," she said.

"Thankfully, some of those who came to watch the Torch had built up an apetite for cake."

Newtown resident and Essington councillor David Clifft said the day had been a real boost for the villages.

"Our local pubs and shops were really busy and a lot of money was spent," he said.

Meanwhile, those lucky enough to carry the Torch said it was an experience they will aways remember.

Popstars The Wanted helped add to the excitement, chatting with fans as took up their place in the Torch relay on the A34 in Newtown.

Their arrival was announced just the day before and hundreds of fans, sporting Wanted T-shirts and posters, braved the heavy rain to await their idols.

Fan Rebecca Pedley, aged 12, watched the band carry the Torch with her mother housewife Kim Pedley, aged 42.

The Great Wyrley Performing Arts High School pupil even managed to get her picture taken with one of the band.

"It was brilliant, I didn't think I would get to see them up close," said Rebecca, of Lingfield Drive, Great Wyrley.

Friends Megan Bennett, aged 13, Holly Ann Hough, Megan Loundes and Danielle Porter, all 14from Bloxwich, also turned out hours in advance to see the popstars.

"I got to meet them and it was a brilliant experience," said Holly.

Meanwhile, other spectators said it was a memorable experience.

Andrew Lightfoot, aged 49, of Swynnerton Drive in Essington, lined the route along with wife Pauline, friends and neighbours.

"It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience and an opportunity I don't think I will ever have again," he said.

"We came to watch it with friends and we're having an Olympic Torch BBQ later to make a day of it."

For those lucky enough to carry the Olympic Flame, it was an experience they will never forget.

Lichfield Torchbearer John May, who carried the Flame along Tamworth Street, Conduit Street and Dam Street, said: "I was so proud to carry the Torch through my local streets and overwhelmed with the response from the crowd."