HAYES was the gateway for the Olympic Torch’s passage into the borough, with hundreds turning out to see the historic flame.

Crowds lined North Hyde Road yesterday afternoon, waving Union Jack flags and revelling in the party atmosphere, thanks to Hayes FM’s live broadcast and the sunshine.

Running slightly behind schedule, the sizeable Olympic convoy arrived in Hayes just before 2pm, and people jostling for position, gave a rousing welcome to oncoming torchbearer, BBC producer Stuart Hughes, who had his right leg below the knee amputated after stepping on a landmine in Iraq in 2003.

He was all smiles as he carried the torch with pride, and waved his appreciation to the cheering throngs of onlookers before passing on the flame and being ushered onto a trailing Olympic bus.

One of the youngest people to take part in the Hillingdon relay was 12-year-old Myles Morris, who took the torch up Dawley Road, Hayes, to screams from friends running alongside him.

The Rosedale College pupil has excelled in athletics and football, and was nominated by his teacher, Jackie Jobe, for his “talent, flair, and positive influence on others”.

The Hayes Town Partnership organised the event, and its chairman David Brough, said: “There was a fantastic turn-out, and it just shows what a friendly, welcoming place Hayes is. It has been a lot of hard work, and we had people here as early as 7am setting up, so a big thank you to them.”