Olympic Torch rises above capital (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Olympic Torch rises above capital

11:31am Sunday 22nd July 2012 in National News © Press Association 2013

The Olympic Torch reached new heights when it was held aloft on the London Eye.

Amelia Hempleman-Adams, who became the youngest person to ski to the South Pole when aged just 16, grinned from ear to ear as she held the flame on top of a capsule on board the giant wheel.

Illuminated by early morning sunshine, the 17-year-old daughter of adventurer David Hempleman-Adams held on tight as she raised the torch above the sleepy capital.

And she kept a tight grip as she posed with the flame at a height much greater than nearby Big Ben, surrounded by bright blue sky.

The young explorer, who carried out her record-breaking expedition with her father last December, described holding the torch above the capital as a "once in a lifetime" opportunity.

The stunt was suggested to the teenager, who told the BBC: "I decided to see what I'd have to do, thought about it and decided to do it.

"It was amazing to look out and see the whole of London."

Amelia, who has tickets for the athletics and diving events, added: "The height was quite scary but you know you're safe so it's not too bad.

"It was a once in a lifetime experience, especially as the Olympics are in London. It makes it more special."

The flame will later be carried by former world heavyweight boxing champion Lennox Lewis as it makes its way through the boroughs of Redbridge, Barking & Dagenham, Havering and Bexley on day 65 of the relay.