The torch was loaned to the £5m-turnover, Wirral-based company by local accountant Sara Taylor of Dufton Kellner; the firm is looking after it while one of its clients, an official torchbearer, is away on holiday.

The torchbearer asked Dufton Kellner to ensure that as many local people and businesses as possible got to see the torch so they could share in the Olympic spirit.

Taylor added: "One of our clients does a lot of running for charity and was selected as an official torchbearer. He lent us the torch to pass on the feelgood factor and asked us to do the same."

Synergy is a B1- and B2-format printer with a wide range of clients including Santander, Cancer Research, HSBC, HBOS, BP, M&S, Harrods, Jaguar and Barclays.

Synergy’s Sean Ehlen, who works in business development, said: "It was very exciting to look after the torch for a couple of hours and to take part in the Olympics. We all took photos and sent them to our relatives."