INSPIRATIONAL sporty Cirencester teenager Jake Ashton will be fulfilling a childhood dream next Wednesday when he carries the Olympic Torch through the town.

The Year 10 Cirencester Deer Park student will be cheered on by family, friends and teachers, as well as the thousands of people the official Olympic procession is expected to bring in to the town.

‘’I have always loved the Olympics as a child and am absolutely amazed that I have the chance to take part," he said. "I am very excited and nervous."

Jake will hold the Olympic torch for one section on the fifth day of its 70-day journey around the UK next Wednesday (May 23).

The procession is timed with military precision and is scheduled to arrive in Cirencester at 3.42pm and take 12minutes to pass through the town.

Jake will have the honour of carrying the flame for the first leg, along Lewis Lane and on to North Way.

He was nominated as an Olympic torchbearer by proud dad Keith for his commitment to sport and his interest in staying fit and healthy.

But Jake is also a keen fund-raiser and will cycle from Land’s End to John O’Groats later this year for Parkinson’s UK.

Cirencester Deer Park PE teacher Faye Smith said: "Jake is a superb athlete. He is also a keen skier and surfer and is a young ambassador for the school. It is brilliant that he has been chosen to be a torchbearer and he will have a lot of support from his friends at school on the day."