The Olympic Torch came to town today as it crossed North London from Harrow and Brent to Barnet and Enfield. It was a fabulous day, the crowds were huge, spirits were high and, not only was it sunny, so everyone’s pictures look that bit brighter, but it was the hottest day of the year!!!

I managed to catch it 3 times and topped it off with an unexpected sight of Rupert Grint posing with it just where I was standing - so feel particularly chuffed. 

My first view seemed to happen so fast. There was a great build up, lots of happy people anticipating a historic event, bunting, flags and banners everywhere. 

Then the crowds closed in and the torch bearer appeared, with outriders around him, jogging towards us and, in the blink of an eye, he’d been and gone. 

But fortunately I got some great snaps and also 2 more goes at seeing the torch which made it a really cracking experience. 

The crowds were out in force in Hendon partly as the torch was scheduled to stay for an hour at Middlesex University so giving everyone an extra opportunity to see it on the relay. 

Outside the Town Hall and the University there were bands playing live music, floats, fancy dress and flags waving, a real carnival community atmosphere.

Having seen the torch carried along the Burroughs, and savoured it more second time round, it was then carried into the University by 100 year old Diana Gould where she was greeted at the University by Boris Johnson.

The Torch then spent an hour in the University while outside local musical groups entertained the expectant crowd. 

My piece of sheer luck came as I tried to make my way around the front of the campus and found my route blocked by the sponsors buses emerging from the car park. 

The cheers suddenly rose as the torch emerged again for the next stage of the relay and it was Rupert Grint aka Ron Weasley carrying it. Not only that, he stopped and posed for the crowds right in front of me and the phones and cameras never stopped clicking. 

He stayed there for more than 5 minutes (thanks Rupert) before heading off down Church Road and off to Finchley. 

See all the pictures on our Facebook page here.