Olympic torch honour lights up pair's lives

A running coach and sports-mad college student have been selected to carry the Olympic torch during next year's games.

Rita Vanes and Ross Ensor are among the 8,000 inspirational people selected to carry the Olympic flame as it makes its way through the region during its 70-day trip to London.

Mrs Vanes was nominated for the honour by members of Dudley Ladies Running Club, which she founded in 2002. She will join with others to complete a section of the route between Birmingham and Coventry on July 1.

The 63-year-old special needs teacher at Halesowen's Halesbury School said: "I'm really, really pleased as it will be a once-in-a-lifetime achievement and something I'll treasure.

The grandmother of three, from Coleford Close, Wordsley, took up running at the age of 35 but quickly grew to love the sport. She has taken part in races for several clubs in the area and decided to help other women interested in running and keeping fit by starting up on her own nine years ago.

Now Dudley Ladies Running Club meets three times a week at Wombourne Leisure Centre, and Mrs Vanes describes it as "one big family".

Meanwhile, Ross Ensor, who studies sport performance and excellence at Dudley College, has been allocated a torch relay slot between Derby and Birmingham on June 30.

The 17-year-old, of Wall Heath, was nominated by his college tutor Rob Elkin because of his hours of volunteering at sports events run by schools and colleges. He also coaches and manages a junior football team and is busy as a qualified football referee every weekend. He was recognised in June 2011 by the British Colleges of Sport for his commitment when he won male volunteer of the year.

He said: "I'm over the moon to be selected; it's a real honour. I'm very excited and looking forward to the special day". Mr Elkin, who is 2012 community sports co-ordinator at the college, said: "Ross is a credit to the sports department and Dudley College. Being selected as an Olympic torch bearer is a huge achievement."

The torch will be lit in Greece and will arrive in the UK on May 18. Starting at Land's End, it will cover 8,000 miles before arriving at the Olympic Stadium on July 27.

The route will take in 20 areas of the Black Country and Staffordshire.