In blazing sunshine the Olympic torch burst into Wandsworth this afternoon as tens of thousands of people lined the streets to cheer it on its way.

From a 12-year-old schoolgirl to England footballer Michael Owen, 40 people had the honour of carrying the torch today in the borough.

From toddlers to pensioners on mobility scooters, a vast throng of excited people lined the route during the afternoon rush hour to be part of this historic event.

Many arrived several hours before the torch to ensure they got a good place and didn’t miss out on the chance to  catch a spark of the Olympic fever.

Ian W tweeted “Amazing atmosphere in Earlsfield for #wandsworthtorch relay. Never seen the streets lined like that. Great moment to kick off the Games!”

After travelling from Southfields along Garratt Lane and then along Upper Tooting Road the torch arrived at its final destination, Tooting Bec Common, bang on time.

Jeffrey Gordon, 78, of Putney who has run in all 31 London Marathons was the last of the torch bearers.  He said: "It is an honour I had never dreamed of, to be carrying the Olympic torch through the city I love."

Former British tennis ace Tim Henman lit the beacon at 6.51pm in front of thousands of cheering spectators.

Some of the lucky revellers, who are all from Wandsworth, had arrived at the park four hours earlier determined to enjoy tonight’s celebration to the max.

Entertainment in the park included chart-topping duo Rizzle Kicks and Britain's Got Talent starts Twist & Pulse.

Wandsworth Performer of the Year 2011 winners Wanted Down also performed, as did the Graveney School Choir.

Earlier, Michael Owen had a guard of honour formed by 50 canines when he brought the torch to Battersea Dogs and Cats Home in Battersea.

He owns three Staffordshire bull terriers and two French bulldogs, so he was the perfect choice to carry the flame through the animal rescue centre. And in a “first” during the torch’s two month journey, he was accompanied by a dog – a Staffordshire bull terrier called Rory.

Michael said: “It has been a real honour to visit Battersea and carry the flame past such a fantastic doggy Guard of Honour with the backdrop of Battersea Power Station. I’m a huge fan of Staffies so was thrilled to meet Rory and he seemed to really enjoy helping me carry the torch. The atmosphere was brilliant and the dogs  behaved so well.”