The Olympic torch is passed in Athens.

The flame for the London Olympics is handed over on Thursday at a damp ceremony in the marble stadium that hosted the first modern Games in 1896.

On the eve of the torch's arrival in the UK, British police are now calling on activists not to spoil the nationwide relay for the tens of thousands of people expected to turn out to watch and cheer.

London organizers deliberately chose a lower profile relay than the ambitious international route for the 2008 Beijing Olympics after violent demonstrations against China's human rights record and its Tibet policy.

Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner Chris Allison

6. (SOUNDBITE) (English) CHRIS ALLISON, ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR THE METROPOLITAN POLICE, NATIONAL OLYMPIC SECURITY COORDINATOR, SAYING:

"Well I sincerely hope we're not going to see those things. Those were protests about the particular regime that was existing in China at that time - I don't think we're going to get protests like that, I sincerely hope we don't. I hope the focus of the whole country will be allowing these eight thousand people who deserve the opportunity to carry the torch to be allowed to do it; get their moment of glory because it is a fantastic opportunity for them."

Britain has witnessed a number of violent protests in the past few years as the government implements austerity measures to combat a large budget deficit.

The relay will go to the outer reaches of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The torch will reach the British capital for the opening ceremony at the Olympic stadium in east London on July 27.

Deborah Lutterbeck, Reuters.