An unsung hero from Earls Barton is not going to sell his treasured Olympic Torch as it is set to become a family heirloom.
Mike Nichols, 71, is surprised to have been given the opportunity of being one of the runners carrying the Olympic Flame along London Road in Wellingborough when it comes to Northamptonshire on Monday.
He has joked of selling the torch but in reality, his granddaughter has got her eye on it.
When he found out he had been nominated to be a carrier Mr Nichols said he was pleased it was for his work in the community.
He said: “I received a letter from Lloyds TSB telling me I had been put forward to be a torch bearer.
“Getting this opportunity is a bit like entering a raffle.
“You want to be in it but when you win it is a shock.
“I am glad I had got this opportunity for my work in the community which includes being the Poppy Appeal organiser for Earls Barton and Ecton, a member of the Earls Barton Under The Tower drama group and involved in the Wings Appeal for the RAF in Rushden.
“This is something of note in my life and has got to be seen as an achievement.
“There are a lot of unsung heroes who do good work in the community and this is their chance to be rewarded.
“A lot of people have been coming up to me offering me their congratulations and wishing me well which has left me staggered.”
