INSPIRING Ryedale people have been selected to carry the Olympic torch when it visits the region this summer.

The torch will arrive in Pickering on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway before making its way to Scarborough on the morning of Monday, June 18.

Those confirmed to carry the flame include Vanessa Buckle from Pickering, Alison Bates, who lives in Thornton-le-Dale, and Malton student Jamie Green.

Vanessa started running just three years ago following the unexpected death of her mother. She wanted to raise money for charity and to provide a lasting tribute to her mother’s memory.

Since then, Vanessa has run the London Marathon and completed 10 marathons in 10 days. She has raised more than £10,000.

“I am delighted and honoured to carry the Olympic torch, especially through my home town, Pickering,” Vanessa said.

“I was humbled to have been nominated and never expected to be chosen.”

Alison, meanwhile, was nominated by Janice Every, chief officer for Sight Support Ryedale, for her work as a volunteer and trustee.

Janice said: “Alison is an inspiring person who started to lose her sight as a very young woman, but has continued to live her life to the full.

“She always seeks to have a positive outlook and is such an encouragement to others – not just to other members struggling with sight loss, but to everyone she meets.”

Alison, who will be carrying the torch accompanied by her guide dog, Jack, said it was a great honour to be chosen.

“It is difficult to put in to words how I felt when I was told I had been selected but I am really pleased and very much looking forward to the day,” she said.

“Hopefully, my family and friends will also be there to cheer me on as well.”

Jamie Green, a former pupil at Malton School, will carrying the torch through Scarborough later the same day.

The 17-year-old, who is studying for his A-levels at Bootham School in York, is the children’s patron at young people’s mobility charity Whizz-Kidz.

His involvement with the charity had led to him making speeches at Downing Street and the Houses of Parliament, as well as leading campaigns and representing the interests of 700 young disabled people who form Whizz-Kidz’s ambassador network.

Jamie thanked Iris Barner of Whizz-Kidz for nominating him.

“I think it was just because I represent Whizz-Kidz a lot at events locally and around the country,” he said.

“It is a privilege to act as a voice for disabled people, not just in my area, but around the country.”

Julie Ryan, from Welburn, will carry the torch through Northallerton on June 20.

A volunteer for the International Rescue Corps, Julie was nominated by her husband, John.

She 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 said.

The torch will make its way from Pickering railway station at 11.44am, travelling along Park Street and Hungate before leaving Pickering via Eastgate.

Coun James Fraser, Ryedale District Council’s sports champion and chairman of the community task force, said: “With the formal announcement of the route, Ryedale residents can now plan to get involved in this unique opportunity to welcome the Olympic flame and witness the wonderful spectacle of the Olympic torch relay.”