The Olympic flame arrived in Cornwall from Greece on 18th May 2012. Over the next seventy days 8,000 people took turns carrying the torch through Britain starting at Land's End.

On July 22nd the Olympic Torch passed through the Borough of Redbridge. It left Redbridge Cycling Centre in Forest Road at 7.19am and headed towards Barkingside, then Gants Hill and Ilford. Peter Comber was up bright and early to watch.

Great Britain had 530 athletes competing and finished third on the Medal table. Britain won 65 medals; 29 Gold, 18 Silver and 18 Bronze.