The lowering of the Olympic flag in Beijing saw the start of the celebrations of Great Yarmouth’s part in the 2012 games.

Earlier this year the town’s central beach was officially adopted as a training venue for volleyball teams for the London Olympics.

A national competition played on the beach coincided with Great yarmouth running up its own Olympic flag on the seafront.

“Great Yarmouth was one of 500 venues given an Olympic flag to raise as the Olympics closed in China and London began its role as host for 2012,” said Culture, Leisure and Sport Service Manager, Marie Hartley.

“The ceremony by the Mayor of Great Yarmouth was linked with the final of a two-day volleyball competition on Central beach over the Bank Holiday.

“Our bid to be an Olympic training site was confirmed in March and this weekend we received a letter from the 2012’s organising committee telling us that Great Yarmouth is part of the official website on www.london2012.com/trainingcamps.”

The Olympic flag was raised by the Mayor’s cadet Jane Paddison assisted by Jordan Goleby.

The  Mayor, Councillor Terry Easter said: “Great Yarmouth Borough Council is delighted to share this occasion and is proud to be raising the Olympic handover flag.”

Volleyball players Phil Smith and Denise Austin were part of the flag raising celebrations, with Denise and her partner Mel Couts going on to win the women’s competition. Tom Lord and Sergio Nunez were the men’s winners.

“Having the competition over the weekend underlined Great Yarmouth’s importance in the volleyball calendar and the Olympic plans,” added Marie.

“We attracted 22 men’s teams and 12 women’s from around the country, with competitors from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa giving it an international flavour.

“The whole afternoon was a great success with many local organisations such as Winterton Marine Cadets’ band joining in the celebrations. Residents and visitors alike enjoyed the spectacle and many cheered on the volleyball players.”

Pauline Duggan, Media Relations Manager, on behalf of volleyball sponsors helpucover and Gorleston-based Financial Telemarketing Services, added:  "It was a pleasure to be involved with Great Yarmouth's Beach Volleyball Grand Slam. Congratulations to all participants and Great Yarmouth Council who did a super job in organising the event.

“With the excellent news that Great Yarmouth's Central Beach has achieved official pre-Games training camp status for the London 2012 Olympics, the event simply goes from strength to strength.”

The official Olympic Handover flag will fly from the top of Marina Leisure Centre, Marine Parade, until the end of September.

For more information contact Culture, Leisure and Sport Service Manager Marie Hartley. Marie Hartley on 01493 846354.