TWO torch bearers in Blackburn have spoken of their pride at taking part in the event.

Jonathan Taylor, 19, who volunteers with St John's Ambulance, ran at 9.59 from Eanam, Blackburn.

He said: “It was a really great experience. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

“I have met some really great people and made new friends too.

“It has been an honour.

“The crowds gave a lot of support and encouragement and the weather was fine too.

“It was really good to shake hands with Sam when I handed the flame over.

“It is the best thing I have done. Just to be part of it is amazing.

“I want to thank everyone who cheered us on, it made for a really great morning.”

Sam Calvert, who ran at 10.03am from Copy Nook, Blackburn, is a 17-year-old who organised a sponsored triathlon that drew 120 competitors and raised money to fund a trip to Morocco to refurbish a schools for deaf and blind pupils.

He said: “It was good, I had a few moments to settle down and get ready for it coming. We were getting strict instructions to make sure we didn’t do anything wrong.

“I just set off and I was waving before I knew it. It was like a dream, it was cool.

“I felt the adrenaline and nerves before running with the torch then in the next moment I saw faces of people I knew when I was running with it.

“It was a real buzz and I’m really proud. It was brilliant to hand it over so it gets to London.”