Torchbearers' pride in Olympic role
OLYMPIC torchbearers have spoken of their joy at being chosen to carry the historic flame.
Local people nominated for the honour were announced yesterday – as the Olympic Torch Relay route was revealed.
Huge crowds are expected to watch the flame pass through Plymouth on May 19 and 20.
More than 100 people a day will carry the torch during its 8,000 mile journey around the UK before it arrives at the Olympic Stadium on July 27.
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Poppy Mills, aged 15, of Hartley, will be among them.
The young singer was chosen for her tireless fundraising for charities including St Luke's Hospice, the Royal Marine Association and the British Heart Foundation. The teenager said: "It doesn't seem real. It's hard to imagine it'll be me carrying a torch.
"The relay will be a historic event which will be watched on TV for years. I will never forget it and will be able to tell the story over and over again.
"I'm so excited, and getting more nervous by the day."
Jordan Anderton, aged 18, of Ivybridge, said he was "completely overwhelmed" to be nominated.
After overcoming a rare type of cancer, the keen rugby player has inspired people to raise tens of thousands of pounds for cancer charities.
Jordan said: "It's a once in a lifetime opportunity and I'm so happy, as well as a bit nervous.
"I still can't believe I've actually been picked. It was a real shock.
"My family are behind me and lots of my friends from Cardiff University are coming down to support me."
Andy Netherton, a public safety officer for Plymouth City Council and Territorial Army medic who has served in Afghanistan, was chosen for his dedication to his work and volunteering.
The 45 year old, of Hooe, said: "I was very surprised. I didn't realise the council had nominated me. It's a once in a lifetime event for me and my family."
Frances Johnston, aged 81, from St Giles in the Heath near Launceston, said she will be proud to carry the torch to Plymouth, where her grandfather George Pearce-Dymond was mayor in the 1930s.
"I'm thrilled," she said. "It's a real honour and I'm looking forward to the day."
Other local torchbearers announced so far are Alzheimer's Society stalwart Ian Sherriff, Torpoint teacher Chris Goodman, fencing coach Rhiannon Lawrence and table-tennis star Vicky Smith.
The Olympic Flame will arrive in Plymouth on the evening of Saturday, May 19.
Plymouth is staging the UK's first London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay Evening Celebration event at the end of the first day of the Torch Relay.
At 7.50am on Sunday, May 20 the flame will set off from the Plymouth Life Centre, travel through the city centre and out into the South Hams.
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