A TEENAGER who missed out on a place in the Paralympics squad says he is delighted to still be involved in the games after being selected as a torchbearer.

Lyndon Longhorne had hoped to be selected for Britain’s Paralympics swimming squad, but narrowly missed out on a place.

The 16-year-old said being named an Olympic torchbearer more than makes up for his disappointment.

Lyndon, from Crook, County Durham, has been selected to carry the torch through nearby Bishop Auckland at 2.30pm on Sunday, June 17.

The teenager, who lost both legs, his right arm and part of his left hand after contracting meningitis when he was eight months old, was selected because of his work as an ambassador for the Meningitis Trust.

He said: “I was disappointed to miss out on the Paralympic squad, but still to be involved in the games by being a torchbearer is the best thing that has happened to me.

“It means everything to me and I am really looking forward to it.”

Yesterday was his last day at King James I Academy, in Bishop Auckland, and he was surprised with another award.

Durham County Council assistant chief executive Lorraine O’Donnell gave him the Hero Award, which he won at the Three Towns Youth Awards last month.

He was unable to attend the ceremony, however, so received the trophy yesterday.

Ms O’Donnell said: “Lyndon is a true example of a hero, and everyone who meets him is inspired by his story and what he is doing for others.”

Lyndon said: “I wasn’t expecting to get this. It was a complete shock, but a very good one.”

Lyndon has now set his sights on swimming for Britain at the 2016 Paralympics, and a recent dip in the Olympic pool in London has given him new inspiration.

He said: “I went there recently and it was just amazing – an incredible experience and one that has made me even more determined to be at the next Paralympic games.”

Lyndon is one of five people selected to carry the Olympic torch through Bishop Auckland.

The others are Robert Ellis, Ian Richardson, Kieran Maxwell and William Mounter.