Up to 25,000 people flocked to Skipton this afternoon to watch the Olympic torch as it was carried through the town.

Craven District Council chairman Chris Harbronsaid it was the “best atomsphere” he had ever seen in the town.

The flame arrived in the town’s Keighley Road just after 4pm and crowds lined the streets to see the torch taken into the town centre.

In advance of the procession, the High Street had been closed for a day-long Festival of Culture and Sport organised by Craven District Council and Skipton Town Council.

Dozens of local groups and organisations were represented and there were outdoor theatre performances, workshops, and chances to try out different sports.

The festival ended an hour before the arrival of the torch, which was carried up the High Street, around the war memorial and back down the High Street again, giving observers a rare second chance to see the Olympic flame. It is understood to be the only time along the whole route that the torch has doubled back on itself.

Local bands provided music during the parade, with Skipton Music Centre and Water Street Samba Band both performing at points along the route.

The torch left Skipton via Otley Road at about 4.30pm, before it was taken by convoy to Ilkley.

Organisers declared the day a success and Skipton Mayor, Coun Wendy Clark, said: “It’s not often that anyone can say they have witnessed a genuine once-in-a-lifetime event. The Olympic Torch passing through Skipton is certainly something none of us will see again.”

Chairman of Craven District Council Coun Chris Harbron said: "The atmosphere today has been truly amazing and it was fantastic to see so many people turn up to cheer the torch through Skipton.”

Coun Harbron added that the Festival of Culture and Sport had been a huge success. He said: “This festival would not have happened if it wasn't for all the sports clubs, community groups and organisations that have taken part today.

“We had a fantastic response to the appeal we put out for volunteers and the festival's success is completely down to that and everyone involved. The festival provided the perfect opportunity to share in the Olympic spirit, mark the countdown to the games and get everyone ready to welcome the torch to our district.”

Russ Hamilton of Skipton Rugby Club, said: "There was a really good feel to the day, it seemed as if the whole of Craven turned out."

Most of the torchbearers were not from the Skipton area, although pensioner Arthur Cockcroft ensured there was at least one local link, as he met his wife Annie at Burnsall Fell Race in 1967. The 88-year-old from Leeds, is a founder member of Leeds City Athletic Club and he still runs actively.

Other Skipton torchbearers included Haroon Akram, a neighbourhood police officer from Rochdale and 12-year-old Elisha Jagger from Halifax, who was nominated by her school to carry the torch as she “sets an outstanding example to other pupils”.