THE Olympic flame was welcomed to North Ayrshire by cheering crowds on Friday as the wet weather failed to dampen the party spirt of hundreds of spectators.

The Relay made it's way through Dunlop Road and Craufurd Crescent in Barmill at 1.29 before heading along Barmill Road and Reform Street in Beith at 1.39pm.

Local residents were hanging out their windows to soak up the festival atmosphere while others lined the streets vying to catch a glimpse of history in the making.

For the full story see this week's Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald.