Corsham man proud to carry the torch

Corsham Town Council's lead groundsman will be part of the Olympic Torch Relay after being nominated by a local Paralympian.

Matthew Leighton-Fry, 50, was nominated to carry the flame by Corsham Paralympic swimmer Stephanie Millward for his work as a governor of Notton House School, in Lacock, for the last 22 years helping boys, aged from nine-16 with a range of emotional, social and/or behavioural problems.

Mr Leighton-Fry, who lives in Corsham Court in the former Johnson's Bakery with his wife Sarah, 58, said that he is very proud to be carrying the flame through Frome on Tuesday.

He said: "I know Stephanie because I did a triathlon with her a while ago; she nominated me through Coca Cola."

Mr Leighton-Fry, who has worked for the town council for the last 13 years and has been part of the town's successful Corsham in Bloom programme, said he looked forward to being cheered on with the torch by his family.

Mr Leighton-Fry, who has a daughter, Helen, 26, a son, James, 23, and two grandchildren, Grace, four, and Oscar, one, said: "This won't happen again in my lifetime and I'm so honoured. My granddaughter has made a 'go granddad' banner and I can't wait to see it on the route."