AN 83-year-old Hale resident who plays badminton twice a week and cycles regularly has been asked to carry the torch.

Doug Maxey, from Canterbury Road,was nominated by his eldest granddaughter, Rachel.

He said : “She must see something in me that I can’t see myself. In her nomination she said that I sum up what the Olympics represent – health, activity and community.”

As well as his sporting interests – Doug took up bowls last year – he also helps pupils at Hazel Grove Primary School in Stockport as part of a reading and literacy programme.

Doug said he experienced a variety of emotions when he heard he’d been invited to carry the torch along Bury Old Road in Higher Broughton on June 23.

He said: “I felt shocked, embarrassed and elated but honoured to be selected.”

Doug said several generations of his family will be there to cheer him on and added that he plans to buy the torch as a souvenir of his big day.

He said: “I shall be giving it to my nominator to pass on to my great grandson as a family heirloom.”