Video: Southend YMCA film of Olympic torch relay in Rayleigh (From Southend Standard)

Southend YMCA create four-minute film of Olympic torch relay through Rayleigh

11:16am Friday 27th July 2012 in Southend By Emma Thomas

AS the London 2012 Games start today, a special film commemorating the Olympic Flame travelling through Rayleigh has been released.

On Friday, July 6 30,000 people lined the streets of the town to celebrate the torch visiting the district as part of its epic 70 day journey around the country.

Rochford District Council organised festivities throughout the day to mark the once-in-a-lifetime event.

A film crew from Southend YMCA was there to capture the whole thing and have created a four minute film documenting the event.

Whether you want to try and spot yourself in the crowd or watch the torch again before it illuminates the opening ceremony in Stratford tonight, the film captures the excitement of the Rayleigh event.

Keith Gordon, councillor responsible for leisure, tourism, heritage, the arts, culture and business, said: “The Olympic Torch Relay event in Rayleigh was such a spectacular event that we wanted to film it so people could have their own unique memento of such a special day.

"Not only will it provide people with great memories of a special day, it will also be an important record of a historic event in the district for future generations."

Mike Bromfield, from Southend YMCA, said: “It’s been a pleasure to work with Rochford District Council on an event so connected with London 2012, and hope to continue to work with them in the future.

"Our staff and young volunteers that took part in filming and editing gained so much from the experience."

Syrie Cox, CEO of Southend YMCA, added: “As a youth charity working in Southend and its neighbouring Districts we seek to work with local authorities and organisations to create new opportunities for young people."

Anyone that wants to find out more about projects run by the YMCA should go to www.southendymca.org.uk