Row upon row of cheering fans lined the streets to catch a glimpse of the flame

Thousands of residents were out on the streets of Brent this morning to welcome the iconic Olympic Torch as it made its way through the borough.

Row upon row of cheering fans lined the streets to catch a glimpse of the flame as it made its journey around Wembley, the first time it has returned to the borough since the Wembley Games of 1948.

The Times team were in the thick of the action for all the build up and the historic moment the torch travelled up Wembley High Road cheered on by the excited crowds.

Families from across Brent, many decked in red, white and blue, joined in the party including nominated torch bearer William Lawrence-Smith who hailed it as “a historic moment for our borough”.

From Kensal Green to Queens Park, families made their way northwards to take in the historic moment while shopkeepers in the High Road left their tills behind and also lined the streets.

Official sponsorship floats and Olympic trucks paved the way for torch bearers to enjoy their moment of glory as it continued its journey toward Wembley Stadium.

Boxer and Olympic gold medallist James DeGale, who lives in Harlesden, carried the flame up a stretch of the high road as did a selection of community champions who had been nominated for their tireless community work.

Following the relay residents were full of praise for the Olympics and proud to call Brent a host borough.

Click on the picture gallery at the top left to see a selection of photos capturing today’s exciting events.