Oliver takes Torch past old school

Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver smiled through the rain as he helped the Olympic torch on its way.

The 37-year-old champion of healthy eating for children carried the flame through Newport - the Essex village where he went to school - on day 50 of the relay.

Watched by his wife Jools and family, he said: "I can't believe how much it's raining but it's great to be here in my old town and this is a real privilege.

"I'll run past my old school and finish at the pub where, to be honest, I'd like to be right now."

Oliver was handed the torch by David Pickup, 34, from Thetford, Norfolk.

Mr Pickup was chosen as a role model for young people in his community.

Oliver lives in nearby Clavering with his wife Jules, daughters Poppy, Daisy and Petal, and son Buddy, while his parents own a pub and restaurant nearby.

He studied at Newport Free Grammar School.

The Olympic torch was behind schedule after being delayed by a road accident.

The relay convoy was delayed by about 15 minutes after a crash between two motorbikes which were travelling in the opposite direction as the convoy passed Chelmsford.