By Staff Reporter

Last updated at 17:30, Thursday, 28 June 2012

I AM writing on behalf of my constituents to congratulate all those involved in the Olympic Torch Relay and in lobbying to get it here in the first place.

Calum Graham was a popular torch-bearer. For more on the area’s Olympic welcome, see pages 8-9

It was a pleasure to join local residents for the final trip of the torch in Scotland. I think we can all be proud that our area formed part of such an historic event taking place over 70 days, featuring 8,000 runners covering approximately 8,000 miles.

The relay was a fantastic success and the torch was given a real Dumfriesshire send-off, which I’m sure impressed the global audience watching at home.

The big crowds in all the towns were a credit to our region and showed both the strength of community spirit and enthusiasm of people locally.

I was particularly pleased to see the large numbers of children lining the route as I joined the crowds in Dumfries, Annan and Gretna. Dumfries and Galloway is now well and truly on the Olympic map with the torch making its first and last journeys through Scotland here.

When the Games start and the torch climbs the steps to light the beacon at the Olympic Park everyone who was there can know that their hopes, aspirations and cheers have been carried with the flame to London.

The Olympics is a great opportunity for us all to get involved in sport and celebrate the way it brings the local community together.

This torch relay not only highlights some extraordinary people who live locally but also demonstrates the advantages of hosting the games not just for London but the whole of the UK. I hope readers enjoy watching the Games over the summer and continue to make the most of the opportunities the Olympics bring.

David Mundell MP

Holm Street Moffat

First published at 21:35, Wednesday, 27 June 2012
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