AN AVID sportsman and dedicated volunteer has been chosen as an Olympic torchbearer.

Dan Bird will carry the torch for 300 metres on Sunday, June 24 in Marsh, near Huddersfield, en route from Salford to Leeds.

The 20-year-old has volunteered with Bury Sport And Physical Activity Service for five years, acting as an assistant coach for multi-sport activities.

He said: “I was shocked and really excited when I found out I was going to be a torch bearer.

“I was at college and my mum sent me a text message. I announced it in class and I broke into tears. I’m so happy and amazed.”

A former pupil at Unsworth Primary School, Dan was diagnosed with autism at the age of four and has a speech and language disorder.

He has never let his condition stop him and is currently studying BTEC level three in sport at Queen Alexandra College in Birmingham. He was chosen as a student ambassador for the college and leads tours for visitors.

Outside college, Dan, of Butterstile Lane, Prestwich, has a passion for sport and has been a member of Swinton Running Club for three years and currently runs more than 50 miles per week in training for next month’s Greater Manchester Marathon.

He hopes to raise £500 for the Challenging Behaviour Foundation, which has helped his 19-year-old brother, Aiden, who has severe learning difficulties.

l To sponsor Dan as he tackles the Greater Manchester Marathon: go to uk.virginmoneygiving.com/SportDan91.