MARY Lee from Bowdon is just one of several Trafford residents who have been chosen to carry the Olympic torch.

The 63-year-old, who is registered blind, will carry the flame through Stockport and said: “I feel very excited, very proud and I feel as if I’m part of the Olympics now.

“I don’t feel it’s so distant – I feel as if I’m involved.”

Mary, who has the degenerative eye condition retinitis pigmentosa, was nominated by husband Tony and Gill Kemp, a member of the Retinitis Pigmentosa Society.

She was nominated for her work with the Citizens Advice Bureau – at Altrincham and Partington respectively.

Mary was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa more than 20 years ago and said the condition is inherited.

“I have no peripheral vision and describe it as being like looking down a straw.

“It’s restricted tunnel vision now and I’ve lost my colour vision as well.

“I don’t see in dim light or bright light,” she said.

Mary has used a guide dog for the past four years and her canine companion is black Labrador, Caryn.