INSPIRATIONAL people from East Lancashire are in with the chance of carrying the Olympic torch when it passes through the area next year.

Those nominated include Blackburn boxing coach Yaqoob Hussain who was recently awarded the MBE for his dedication to the sport and 12-year-old athlete Elizabeth Greenwood, of Blackburn Harriers.

Other nominees from this area include Ian Thomson, a 49-year-old from Mellor Brook, who ran the London Marathon to raise awareness of Parkinson’s Disease, Joe Burns, who runs judo clubs in Shadsworth and at Westbury Gardens, and Anthony Routh who set up junior football team Rosegrove FC in Burnley.

The Olympic torch will pass through East Lancashire in June next year, just 35 days before the London games get under way.

Every successful nominee will carry the torch for 300 metres.

The route through the area is still being negotiated with police.

Organised by sponsors Lloyds TSB, Coca Cola and Samsung, more than 1,000 people have already been nominated to take part in the Olympic Flame Relay.

A decision on who will carry out the honour will take place later this year.

But the local nominees have a fair chance of being chosen.

Yaqoob Hussain helped train world champion boxers Amir Khan and Ricky Hatton, and has spent 37 years volunteering. He is also the Audley Amateur Boxing Club’s head coach.

He said: “It would be a dream come true to be involved. Everyone is looking forward to the Olympics so much.

“If someone from Blackburn was able to carry the torch through the town it would be so special for everyone who lives here.”

Elizabeth Greenwood, from Read, is a runner with Blackburn Harriers, and one of the top athletes in the region in her age group at 1500m and 800m distances.

She is also the national under-12 fell running champion and a national biathlon, running and swimming, champion. Her dad, Mick, said: “She would love to compete at the Olympics one day and to be nominated to possibly carry the torch is fantastic.”

Coach Richard Taylor said: “You would struggle to find a better role model for other young people. She is a great talent and her attitude is first class.”

Joe Burns, whose son Nathan, 22, is training for the Olympics, said: “I am normally the man working in the background but it is very nice to be nominated.”

A spokesman for Lloyds TSB said: “We’re looking for people who have made a difference in their local community.

“It could be you for the volunteering you do; the teenager who’s helping young people in sport; the teacher who runs the after-school club, or anyone who has made a positive difference to their community.”

An Old Flame

*THE Olympic flame will arrive in the UK on May 19, 2012.

*It will be carried around the country over 70 days by 8,000 torchbearers.

*Nominations for the majority of places to the London 2012 Organising Committee closed last Wednesday.

*No details have yet been given on whom has been put forward for these roles.

*Further places are available through sponsors Coca-Cola, Lloyds TSB and Samsung.

*Nominees will be shortlisted by the middle of August and selected by 12 judging panels from around the UK.

*Those successful will find out in December.