THOUSANDS of people had a weekend to remember for the rest of their lives when the Olympic torch arrived in Bury, Whitefield and Prestwich.

The eight-mile route attracted a throng of sightseers and there were numerous community events and entertainment being held to link in with the Olympic spirit.

The torch relay arrived in Bury in mid-afternoon and subsequently passed through Whitefield and Prestwich en route to Manchester city centre.

Those co-ordinating the event faced a huge challenge as the eight-mile route was one of the longest torch relay sections in the country in any single borough.

And it was certainly be a day to remember for one of the Bury torchbearers, 59-year-old Rick Wesolowski, who was chosen to carry the flame in recognition of his work helping children learn how to swim at Ramsbottom Baths.

Pupils and staff at St Monica's RC High School in Prestwich held a mini-festival, Slattery's in Whitefield served coffees and cupcakes and The Rock was the centre of mass celebration.