AN ATHLETICS coach from Tavistock and a Callington College student are among those who have been selected to carry the Olympic torch as it sets out on its epic journey to light the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Head junior coach at Tavistock Athletic Club Adam Tofield, 24, and explorer scout Jessie Tait, 14, from Albaston, will be torchbearers during the relay through the streets of Plymouth on May 19 and 20.

Both said this week they were delighted and privileged to take part in this 'once in a lifetime event'.

Huge crowds are expected to see the Olympic flame pass through the city and Adam said he hoped there would be a good few people from Tavistock there.

'I have been told I will be running up to a 300 metre stretch on the route from Central Park on the second day,' said Adam.

'Unfortunately my parents will be abroad but I am hoping I will get some support from the athletics' club — it would be great for the juniors to come up and see it.

'It will be such an inspiring thing to take part in and to watch. I am very excited and privileged to be part of the day and the Olympics.'

Some 8,000 torchbearers have been chosen to transport the flame on its 8,000-mile journey around every corner of the UK.

By July 17 it will have arrived at London's Olympic Stadium for the lighting of the cauldron at the opening ceremony signifying the official start of the games.

All the people selected have stories of personal achievement or have made a significant contribution to their community.

Adam, a fitness instructor and supply teacher at Tavistock College, was nominated by his father Bryan.

'He's always been a great supporter of what I do for the athletics club but I certainly did not expect to be selected from all the thousands of nominations,' said Adam.

Jessie Tait was also nominated by her parents after receiving the CATS (Community Action through Sport) volunteer of the year award last year.

Jessie volunteers with the St John Ambulance at Kelly Bray, Launceston Rugby Club and Stoke Climsland Scout Group.

Her mother Polly said: 'Jessie puts an awful lot into the community. She has a go at everything. We are so pleased she has been selected.'

Jessie said she was a little bit nervous that the flame might go out or she might fall over but that it was 'pretty cool' to be a torchbearer.

Family members from Yorkshire will be there on the day plus supporters from all the organisations Jessie is involved in.

The torch makes its way from Land's End on the morning of May 19 visiting several locations in Cornwall before reaching Liskeard and Saltash in the early evening and then the Tamar Bridge through Plymouth to the Hoe.

It will continue through Plymouth the following morning before moving on to Brixton.

The torch relay will come within ten miles of 95% of people living in the UK.

l See page 6 for the exact route the Olympic torch will take through West Devon.