Bear Grylls slides off Tyne Bridge with the Olympic Torch in his hand

Bear Grylls slides off Tyne Bridge with the Olympic Torch in his hand

Thousands of spectators lining the river in Newcastle erupted in cheers as the former SAS action man completed his spectacular 400-metre slide from the top of the bridge with the torch in his hand.

Afterwards he said: “I was worried about it going out but it stayed alight and we’re alive.

"It was amazing. I’m super-proud.”

Football legend Jack Charlton also carried the flame through Newcastle yesterday â€" months after a hip replacement op.