FIFTY pupils blazed a trail through the streets of Neston on Wednesday as the town staged its own torch relay.

Olympic gymnast Craig Heap was guest of honour at the event, which saw Neston High School students and staff line the streets to cheer on their classmates.

Runners, nominated by fellow pupils for displaying the school values of pride and courage, were accompanied by a heritage bus decked out in red, white and blue.

Neston mayor Martin Barker and headteacher Steven Dool also joined the relay, which took in Parkgate, Neston, St Winefride’s, Bishop Wilson, Woodfall and Willaston Primary School – where the torch was handed over and youngsters joined in the fun with their own events.

Mr Dool said: “This was the most wonderful example of a community working together to ensure that students were able to participate in a unique event celebrating the Olympics coming to our country.

“Every child who attends school in the Neston area has had the opportunity to take part and it has certainly been a day to remember.

“I should like to publicly thank all those staff at all the schools and in the local community who have worked tirelessly to make sure that this event has been the major success that it has been.”