OLYMPIC TORCH 6.15pm: Crowds gathering at St Leonards for arrival of torch relay

Crowds are assembling in good numbers and with the rain at last staying away many are enjoying music from the Battle Town Band.

Elsewhere in the beautiful garden children are enjoying an obstacle course, the West Marina Gardens Residents’ Association have a stall, the bowling green is splendidly decked out in red, white and blue, bunting, balloons and Union flags.

Even the bowlers had red and blue decorations on their white uniforms.

One of the people looking forward to the torch coming through at around 6.10pm is former Hastings mayor Councillor Maureen Charlesworth.

She said, “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, it’s something very special for the country and it’s lovely that it’s coming through Hastings.

“It’s great for everybody and congratulations to John Hodges for organising it.”

The current Maze Hill councillor, who is on crutches following a foot operation, is also hoping that the games will inspire children to take an interest in sport and get involved with it.