NOT even the cruelest British weather could extinguish the Olympic flame as it arrived at Huntingdon’s rain-drenched Olympic gym at 8.20am this morning.

Cheering crowds, five-deep, lined Mayfield Road and the entrance to the gym to watch the flame being handed to athletics coach Bryn Percival.

Despite the downpour, families flocked to watch the 31-year-old receive the torch from Peterborough’s Jonathan Edwards in front of hundreds of gym members, Huntingdon dignitaries and local heroes Luke Folwell and Louis Smith.

Huntingdon Gym’s head coach, Paul Hall, who has worked with Smith since he was four years old, told The Hunts Post: “This is a very special weekend.

“I actually never could have dreamed this would ever happen - it’s a great accolade for both the club and the town.

“The next few weeks are going to be very exciting - Huntingdon has been the home of Olympians for a number of years now and this is a very special moment for everyone.”

Mayor of Huntingdon, Colin Hyams, added: “We are very, very honoured to be the last place in Cambridgeshire to receive the flame.

“I am thrilled for the town itself, the gym and wish everyone here every success at the Olympics.”

You can e-mail your views and pictures of the torch relay to editor@huntspost.co.uk