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London 2012 Olympic torch begins journey in Greece

Olympic torch lit in Greece
© PA Photos
The Olympic flame was lit in Greece this morning and will embark on a lengthy relay ahead of the London Games.

The Olympic torch was lit in Greece today to signify the countdown to the London 2012 Games.

The flame, which was lit in a ceremony in Olympia with Lord Coe, International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge and Hellenic Olympic Committee president Spyros Capralos all in attendance, will travel around Greece in a week-long tour.

After the morning's ceremony within the ruins of the Temple of Hera, the torch was taken to Liverpool-born Greek world champion 10km swimmer Spyros Gianniotis to indicate the start of the relay.

The famous torch, which symbolises purity from the sun, will fly to Britain on May 18 for a 70-day relay around the country.

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Danielle Joynson
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