Thousands of people are expected to line the streets today (Friday) to welcome the Olympic Torch to Brentwood.

It is day 49 of the torch relay and is Herongate and Brentwood’s moment to shine.

The torch is being carried through the borough on its way across the country to the opening ceremony of the Games in Stratford on July 27.

The relay will include many local torchbearers who have been recognised for their sporting talents, achievements and community work.

Among them will be Leah Carter, 16, from Brentwood, who will carry the torch 300 metres from Ingrave Road to Brentwood Town Hall.

Leah plays hockey at a regional level and hopes to compete for Great Britain in future Olympics. She also coaches and encourages younger people and volunteers at Stubbers Adventure Centre, Havering, to help less able people take part in activities they would not normally be able to do.

She said of her role as torchbearer: “I was ecstatic when I found out about it.

“It is something to keep for the rest of my life and it’s good to be doing it in my home town.”

Cllr Louise McKinlay, leader of Brentwood Borough Council, said: “I’m very excited that the Olympic Torch will be coming through our borough on Friday.

“And I’m very much looking forward to hosting tea at the town hall for guests before the torch comes through.

“I know that this will be a fun day for everyone living in the Brentwood area and an event that we will all remember.”

Police have asked motorists to be patient as the torch arrives.

They say drivers should check that their normal route will not be affected and, if it is, to expect some delays.

Police say to expect roads along some sections of the route to be closed for some time before the torch arrives and until it has passed. There will be a rolling road closure moving with the torch.

Will you be going to either Herongate or Brentwood today to see the Olympic Torch? If you do and take some pictures send them to us at news.desk@romfordrecorder.co.uk and they could be featured in the Brentwood Recorder next week.