Maria Felipe, who works in waste management, was the most applauded torchbearer in Serra. "Our work is not just recycling rubbish, the most important thing is to recycle lives. We give opportuntites to people who are not accepted elsewhere."

It's been a cold day by Brazilian standards here in Espirito Santo. That hasn't stopped the population of Serra coming out in force to give the Olympic Torch Relay a warm welcome.

Torchbearer Marco Campi used his platform to speak in defence of domestic animals. "I am here to make people more aware that we need to care for and pay more attention to animals. They cannot defend themselves alone and need us to live with dignity."