Torch has pop stop off at Abbey Road

The Paralympic relay made a pop stop off to visit Abbey Road in St John's Wood.

Five torchbearers took the flame across the zebra crossing and recreated The Beatles' famous pose for the cover of their 1969 album Abbey Road.

Crowds lined the street, cheered and waved Union flags as Graham Helm, 38, from Lancashire, paraded the flame back across the Fab Four landmark on his own before walking it up the road.

Mr Helm, registered blind four years ago, was nominated as a torchbearer for his work with young people.

Ria Amiraly, a special needs teacher from St John's Wood, said the atmosphere at the relay had been "buzzing".

The 28-year-old said: "You don't get to see people talking every day to each other like they did today, it was fascinating to be part of it.

"The Paralympics are more important to me because I work with special needs children, I think it's great that people with disabilities are going out there and taking part in sport, it's really important," she added.

Arvind Devalia, a 41-year-old writer and life coach, said: "I had to be here, I live just round the corner.

"I have been waiting since 7.30 this morning and the torch went by fast, but it was well worth waiting for three hours.

"For me it was about the atmosphere and the camaraderie, people were so friendly and chatty and it was such a great vibe."