Last updated at 16:11, Monday, 30 July 2012

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LIKE a beacon of hope in dark economic times, Cumbria’s three-day hosting of the Olympic Torch Relay proved a big financial as well as morale-boosting tonic.

Tens of thousands of people lined the route as the torch snaked its way from Brough to Carlisle and then Carlisle to West Cumbria and back down through the Lakes to Kendal and then on to Lancashire.

Carlisle became the only place in the UK to play host twice, attracting around 60,000 spectators over the two days with stores throughout the city reporting strong sales on the back of the torch relay and the city centre packed to overflowing.

Cumbria also staged two of the major evening celebrations, one in Bitts Park, Carlisle, starring pop star Katy B, and the other at Bowness-on-Windermere where the torch arrived via boat escorted by dozens of other vessels.

Politicians and business leaders were quick to lavish praise on both the organisation and impact of the relay.

Eddie Martin, leader of Cumbria County Council, believes the publicity surrounding the torch’s visit will do the county nothing but good.

“The crowds were fantastic instigating a real carnival atmosphere and supporting our torchbearers through sun and rain – it wouldn’t be Cumbria without a bit of rain,” added Mr Martin.

“Events like this bring Cumbria together and it shows what we can all achieve when we really pull together. It has been a marvellous opportunity to showcase our beautiful county to the world and I hope they have enjoyed watching as much as we have enjoyed the experience.”

As well as bringing crowds out on to the streets, the torch relay also brought with it a sizeable support team and crews to stage the entertainments events.

Some hotels were fully booked as the relay rolled through Cumbria.

David Crossley, general manager of the Crown & Mitre Hotel in the centre of Carlisle, said: “We were fully booked and had a lot of the main people staying here.

“We had about 70 rooms taken up with torch people on the Wednesday night and also had a dinner for 306 people. I am sure there are other people in the city centre who did well from the crowds, from shops to places to eat. I’ve spoken to people who did quite well.”

Carlisle City Council leader Joe Hendry said he believed the torch relay sent out a positive message about Carlisle to the rest of the world. He added: “Many of us now feel that the Olympic Games belongs to every community in the nation – especially in Carlisle, where we had two very special, joyful days.”

First published at 16:15, Wednesday, 25 July 2012
Published by http://www.in-cumbria.com