ALL three Olympic torchbearers from Darwen will get to keep their torch after they take part in the nationwide relay ahead of the summer games.

Caitlin Jones, Danny Maynard and Simon Foster will fly the flag for the town as the relay passes through Liverpool, Batley and Preston on its way to London.

As the Lancashire Telegraph reported yesterday, Torchbearers are entitled to keep their torch, which is decommissioned and the gas canister removed after their section, but it comes at a cost of £240.

Sponsors announced they would pay for Danny and Simon to keep their torches.

But there were concerns over whether 16-year-old cancer fundraiser Caitlin Jones would be able to collect the money needed for hers.

However, generous donations from the people of Darwen over the past few days mean Caitlin will get a lasting memento of the special event.

Caitlin’s mum Tracy said: “Caitlin is so proud of everyone for coming forward and helping out.

“She would like to thank all the people of Darwen for their superb support.”

The money was raised through public donations, and fundraising events such as a guess the weight of a cake and how many sweets in the jar competitions.

Danny’s employers McDonald’s offered to pay for his torch, while Coca-Cola agreed to buy Simon’s.

The Olympic Committee said the torches were heavily subsidised, with each one costing £495 to produce.

The torch will arrive in East Lancashire on Saturday, June 23, from Preston and will pass through Mellor Brook, Blackburn, Oswaldtwistle, Accrington, Burnley and Rawtenstall.

Darwen Town Council had offered to pay half of the cost towards the torches but that money will no longer be required.