NORTH Yorkshire athlete Marc Scott is in training for one of the biggest sprints of his life.

The 18-year-old has been selected to carry the Olympic Torch when it reaches Hambleton next June.

He has received a “conditional” offer from LOCOG (London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games) – one of 8,000 people across the UK nominated to carry the torch.

The Northallerton College student was nominated by his mum, Julie, for his sporting achievements. He began running eight years ago and already has an impressive list of triumphs for his mountain running, road running and cross country. He said: “It will be a great honour to carry the torch through the Hambleton district. This will be a once in a lifetime experience and will only be surpassed by taking part in the Games itself in future years.”

Marc also became Hambleton’s Young Sportsman Of The Year at the recent Hambleton District Council run Sports Awards night.

The torch will travel through Hambleton and Richmondshire on June 20 – going through Thirsk, Northallerton, Bedale, Aysgarth, Leyburn and Richmond.