A RYEDALE woman has been selected to carry the Olympic torch on its journey around the country next year.

Julie Ryan, from Welburn, was chosen from thousands of nominees to join the relay team on the York to Carlisle stretch of the torch’s tour.

A volunteer for the International Rescue Corps, Julie was nominated by her husband, John “I’ve been a volunteer for the last 20 years and have gone to a number of international disasters, including earthquakes,” she said.

“For the last three years I have also tried to raise money for the organisation and managed to swim the channel recently.”

The Olympic Torch will visit wellknown landmarks in York, North and East Yorkshire as part of its summer relay route. After visiting York, the torch will be transported on the Flying Scotsman to Thirsk. It is also due to travel along the North Yorkshire Moors Railway from Whitby to Pickering.

The 70-day relay will start at Land’s End, Cornwall, on the morning of May 19 and will travel an estimated 8,000 miles around the UK, carrying the torch within 10 miles of more than 95 per cent of the population. Eight thousand inspirational torch bearers, of which each have a story of personal achievement or contribution to the local community, have been chosen to carry the torch.

Julie said she had been quite shocked when she heard that she had been selected.

“I feel proud and privileged and also pleased to be given this opportunity– it is the chance of a lifetime,” she added.