THE Olympic torch shone its light on communities across West Somerset as thousands turned out to welcome the iconic symbol of the London 2012 games on its journey through the district.

The flame was carried aloft on a route from Porlock to Williton on Monday - day three of its 8,000-mile meandering trek across the UK.

And although only 12 of the 28 torchbearers were local - two individuals and a team of ten from Minehead Middle School - the warmth of the welcome offered to all matched the sunshine and made the day one to remember.

Spectators turned the streets and roadsides into a sea of red, white and blue bunting, with many whose homes bordered the route staging impromptu parties in their front gardens.

Full story and more pictures in this week's Free Press.