THE contribution of Saltash to the success of the recent Olympic Torch Relay through the county has been highlighted in a new report commissioned by Cornwall Council.

The report, compiled by the Cornwall Development Company, shows that almost 200,000 spectators – 35 per cent of the population of Cornwall – came out to view the progress of the torch through the 21 communities along the route – resulting in a potential £3.77m boost to the local economy. 'This was undoubtedly a great day for Cornwall,' said Chris Ridgers, the council's portfolio holder for economy and regeneration.

'The event has been widely acknowledged as a great success – with praise for Cornwall's organisation coming from a range of leading figures, including the chair of LOCOG Sebastian Coe who thanked us for providing such a magnificent welcome for the Olympic Flame, and Jacques Rogge, the president of the international Olympic committee, who said the day was an unbelievable success.'

The setting of a new world record of 1,002 people performing Tai Chi in Saltash was one of 100 events and activities organised by local communities to celebrate the visits of the Torch Relay, and is singled out for mention in the report, along with the Passport to Sport event in the town where around 2,500 individual activities were completed.