A SCHOOLGIRL from a village near Selby has been announced as one of the lucky few to carry the Olympic torch through the region.

Georgia Watkinson, 12, from Hambleton, will carry the torch through Northallerton on June 20, thanks to her positive spirit.

Mike Roper, head teacher at Brayton High School, said: Our school values chime with the Olympic values of friendship, excellence and respect, and Georgia lives each of those.

“Georgia’s got a very good cluster of friends, even for a Year 7 student, new to the school, and it was clear from early on she was very happy to work with her peers and help them if they’re down.”

Nicki Watkinson, Georgia’s mother, said she was immensely proud, and it was flattering to know her daughter had been chosen for her spirit to carry the torch when it passes throught Northallerton.

Mrs Watkinson said: “She’s very enthusiastic about whatever she does. To us she’s just a normal 12-year-old, and we were completely taken aback when we found out she had been chosen.

“We’re all going to go to Northallerton early to get a good view and support Georgia, then maybe celebrate at Bettys.”

The school has also received £8,000 from the Olympic Lottery Fund, as part of the Get Set Network to set up a series of Olympic-themed events in the run up to the competition.

Mr Roper said: “Georgia’s classmates are really excited for her, and generally thrilled by it all, as is every member of staff and student at the school.

“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and we spoke about the stories she’ll be able to tell her grandchildren.”

“We’re hosting Boccia and wheelchair basketball events, an Olympic sports day, and working with over a dozen other schools training up their staff and students as Olympic ambassadors. We’re also hosting a primary school Olympic torch relay, with students running from school to school with a mocked-up Olympic torch, which will end at Brayton High. We have also set up an international link with a school in Zambia for our Year Seven and Eight students to become pen friends.”