THOUSANDS of Ealing residents flocked to the streets to welcome the Olympic torch as it made its way through the borough on Tuesday afternoon.

Tennis legend Boris Becker started the borough leg of the relay at Northala Fields in Northolt, where huge crowds made the most of the glorious weather to turn out and greet the flame.

The flame was then passed to Brentside High School pupil Sydney Richards, travelling from Northolt to Southall and then down Uxbridge Road to Ealing.

As the flame continued its journey, 16,000 people soaked up the party atmosphere at Walpole Park, entertained by music and dance performances while waiting for the flame to arrive on stage.

The crowd cheered as charity worker Tom Thacker carried the flame on to the stage, where he lit the Olympic cauldron.

Leader of the Council Julian Bell said he was thrilled that the borough gave the torch such a wonderful reception.

"From Fred Perry to Dame Kelly Holmes, Ealing has a strong sporting tradition and I was so proud to see the thousands of local people who turned out to support our torchbearers,” he said.

“The park was packed, the weather was lovely and Ealing really made the most of its chance to shine.”