Olympic torch takes a wrong turn

Clifton Suspension Bridge
23 May 2012

The Olympic torch took a wrong turn on Wednesday shortly before it crossed the Clifton Suspension Bridge in a spectacular display of fireworks.

The torch left the foggy streets of Bristol for North Somerset at 5.50am before travelling by convoy to visit Nailsea, Backwell and Flax Bourton.

But as it returned to Bristol via Nailsea the convoy took a wrong turn in Failand - delaying the relay by about 10 minutes.

Clifton Suspension Bridge was left suspiciously empty but all became clear when Rebecca Pantaney stepped on to the Grade I-listed structure and the loud bang of fireworks was heard.

Ms Pantaney won badminton gold at the 1998 Commonwealth Games as part of the women's team.

The flame was handed over on the middle of the bridge, which was designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, to Thomas Baker.

The flame will be carried through 22 communities on Wednesday, including Chippenham, Marlborough, Wroughton, Cirencester and Stroud.

On its way to Cheltenham, the torch will also pass through Royal Wootton Bassett, where people regularly turned out to honour the UK's war dead, until the closure of RAF Lyneham last year.

The Olympic torch will end up in the royal hands of Zara Phillips. The Queen's granddaughter will be on horseback to carry the torch on to Cheltenham's famous racecourse. Miss Phillips, who is married to former England rugby captain Mike Tindall, will be riding Toytown - the horse on which she won world and European titles.

Outgoing Chelsea striker Didier Drogba, 34, will also get his hands on the torch when he carries it through Swindon.

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