THE Olympic spirit came to Royston on Sunday. Just hours after London took over the Games there was an unveiling of an Olympic flag at the Royston Leisure Centre. Indeed, it was one of many similar events across the country to begin on the road towards Lo

THE Olympic spirit came to Royston on Sunday.

Just hours after London took over the Games there was an unveiling of an Olympic flag at the Royston Leisure Centre.

Indeed, it was one of many similar events across the country to begin on the road towards London 2012.

And to give it a real sporting aspect, British international athlete Lesley Owusu represented UK Sport.

She spoke of the "pride" of London being selected for the Olympic Games.

"There are many young athletes with Olympic potential and are hopeful of reaching their sporting ambitions," she said.

Those words could apply to her, too.

Lesley missed representing Britain in the 400 metres in Beijing because of injury.

She said after the ceremony: "It just makes you more determined to be there at London 2012. I've no choice but to keep going."

Lesley has represented Britain at the World Indoor Championships and the Commonwealth Games.

In unveiling the flag for the Olympic handover, Cllr Allison Ashley, chairman of North Herts District Council, said: "While the Olympic Games in 2012 are happening in London, we are thrilled to be part of this once in a lifetime chance to support them by organising today's activities."

Meanwhile, a similar ceremony was being carried out at County Hall in Hertford.

There, county council chairman Cllr Nigel Brook hoisted the Olympic flag.

Cllr Brook, who admitted being "a passionate supporter of the Olympics" from the time he witnessed events at the Games in London in 1948, said "I am sure that London 2012 will prove to be an outstanding Games and will be a platform for success for many Herts athletes."

One guest, Lloyd Upsdell, a double gold medal winner at the Sydney Paralympics, said: "It's great to see so much enthusiasm for the Olympic and Paralympic Games. London 2012 in a great opportunity to get all kinds of people involved in sport."

Cllr Derrick Ashley, the county council's Cabinet member responsible for Hertfordshire's preparations for the Olympic Games, said: "London 2012 is a launch pad to bring about positive change that will extend beyond the end of the Games."

He said it was estimated that the Games would generate more than £100 million for Herts.

In South Cambridgeshire, district council chairman, Cllr Jim Stewart, unveiled a handover flag at the Duxford Imperial War Museum.