ALTRINCHAM-based music promoter Alex McCann is to be a part of the build-up to the greatest sports show on earth.

Alex, who is 34 on Sunday, will carry the Olympic torch in Buxton on June 29 and described the news as an extra birthday present.

He promotes artists and gigs under the banner Designer Magazine, DM, and he told SAM: “It’s a really amazing experience to be honest.”

The news has inspired Alex to get fit and he hopes to have shed five stone by the time the event takes place in the famous spa town. He has already lost four stone – on his exercise bike.

Alex said he was nominated to carry the torch by fellow music fan and DM concert goer Chris Reddy, who has been been a regular at gigs over the years and nominated him to say thanks for putting the events on, which he said have made many people happy.

Alex, pictured, said his friends and family – including mum Anne and dad Derek – will travel by minibus to see him carry the torch.