The mayor of Cardigan, Catrin Miles, lit the oxyacetylene torch to begin the task of cutting down one of the steel supports.

BBC: Cardigan Castle: Steel supports removal in ?11m work

Meanwhile, London's successful bid for the 2012 Olympics -- despite a rumbling row over costs that shows no sign of abating before the torch is lit and complaints that the project has ridden roughshod over the wishes of local residents and businesses -- will ultimately mean the creation of Europe's largest new urban park in 150 years.

CNN: London leads climate change fight

The retired rower then passed it to the young athletes, who lit part of the outer rim of the torch, setting off a domino effect as fire spread to 205 small metal "petals, " symbolizing the nations taking part.

CNN: SHARE THIS

Eight months before the torch was lit, the Soviets invaded Afghanistan.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: No Triumph of the Will�� for China

As the evening winds down, a private tent is set up with open views of the torch-lit plaza, though couples can also choose to climb another temple for after-dinner drinks.

BBC: Sleep at the base of a Maya temple

Later they carried the torch through the city to Old Market Square, where they lit the cauldron for the evening celebration.

BBC: Olympic torch: Torvill and Dean skate with 2012 flame

The Paralympic relay involves four flames being lit in London, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast which are united in the Paralympic Torch at the national centre for disability sport in Stoke Mandeville, Buckinghamshire.

BBC: Amy Nettleton

Entering the U.S. pavilion, you encountered the Statue of Liberty, prone, in an open coffin, neon lit, with her torch lying beside her.

FORBES: My Leading Indicator Is Art In Venezia