The Beijing Olympic torch met a warm welcome by the Lord Mayor of the City of London and the Dean of the St Paul's Cathedral at about three o'clock Sunday afternoon.

The torch was handed over by Olympic rowing champion Ed Coode to former Scotland rugby international Kenny Logan.

In special peel of bells marked the passing of the torch, the Lord Mayor of the City, David Lewis said, "We wish the Beijing Games all success and I am sure that all who participate in the Games will have a wonderful experience."

The City mayor said, "Today is a very special occasion for us because London is looking forward very much indeed to hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012. The City is very supportive of the 2012 Olympic Games and the benefits they will bring to London and to Londoners."

The torch, which has been carried from Wembley Stadium, will end its journey in North Greenwich after passing through 10 London Boroughs.

The Dean and Chapter of St Paul's Cathedral and the school children from City schools all dressed up for the torch.

A band from the Scots Guard added color to the festival ceremony at the center of the City, while the 'Square Milers' volunteers wearing their red bibs handed out City maps to exploit the torch relay chance to promote the City.

The Cathedral dedicated to St Paul has overlooked the City of London since 604AD, and is regarded as a constant reminder to this great commercial center of the importance of the spiritual side of life.

Such historical events like the funerals of Sir Winston Churchill; Jubilee celebrations for Queen Victoria; peace services marking the end of the First and Second World Wars; the 80th and 100th birthdays of Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother and the wedding of Charles, Prince of Wales, to Lady Diana Spencer and, most recently, the 80th Birthday of Her Majesty the Queen were all held here.

The City of London, a symbol of UK's financial industry, is designed to be one of the most important part of the 10-borough torch journey in London, which is to host the 2012 Olympic Games after the coming Beijing Games.

(Xinhua News Agency April 7, 2008)