Olympic torch bearer proposes during relay

LONDON (AP) -- An Olympic torch bearer has proposed to his girlfriend as he carried the Olympics torch through the streets of northern England.

David State proposed to his girlfriend Christine Langham on bended knee in the middle of his relay Monday between the towns of Marske-by-the-Sea and Loftus in north east England. He handed the torch to a nearby security official while he proposed.

She accepted, State then took the torch back and continued his run.

Huge numbers of people have turned up all over the country to see the Olympic flame as it makes a 8,000-mile (12,875-kilometer) trek around the U.K.

The London Olympics take place from July 27 to Aug. 12.