Young athletes describe 'proud' moment Cauldron was lit

204 separate petals in 10 rings to come together to form one cauldron Credit: Press Association

The young athletes chosen to help light the Olympic Cauldron at the climax of last night's opening ceremony have spoken about the honour of being nominated to carry out the important task.

The teenagers, who have all shown promise in their disciplines, ran around the track together after being passed the flame by Sir Steve Redgrave.

The group was joined by seven Olympic heroes - including Sir Steve - for the final lighting of the cauldron in front of 260 of Britain's greatest sportsmen and women.

The rods which make up the stem of the cauldron are made of stainless steel. The petals are copper Credit: Press Association

Katie Kirk from Holywood in County Down was nominated by Dame Mary Peters, who won gold in the women's pentathlon at the 1972 Munich Games. The 18-year-old said:

204 separate petals in 10 rings to come together to form one cauldron Credit: Press Association

Miss Kirk said she managed to enjoy most of last night's ceremony before the nerves set in. She added:

Lighting the Olympic cauldron Was a special birthday present for sailor Callum Airlie who within hours had boarded a plane to compete in the 420 Youth World Championships in Austria.

His mother Julie Robson said:

The Olympic Cauldron was designed by Thomas Heatherwick Credit: Press Association

19-year-old Adelle Tracey a 400m and 800m runner from Godalming, Surrey was also part of the spectacular event. She said:

Fireworks to end the show at the stadium Credit: Press Association

The seven final torchbearers rehearsed in an empty stadium to keep the secret of how the Olympic cauldron would be lit.