TWO Chester-le-Street students who give time to help others enjoy sport are to be Olympic torchbearers.

Rachel Burgess and Jessica Hardy, both of the town’s Hermitage Academy, will carry the flame on Sunday June 16.

Sixth-former Rachel, the Durham County Young Sports Coach of the Year 2011, will bear it through Esh Village.

Rachel, 18, of Chester-le-Street, has just completed her A-Levels in Psychology and Biology and a Double BTEC in Sports Studies.

She was chosen for her voluntary work coaching in tennis and multi-skills every week at the town’s Riverside complex.

Rachel said: "I feel it is a great honour and would like to thank everyone who has enabled me to have this opportunity.

"I am also going to be visiting some of the Olympic events with the Hermitage so it’s great to feel a part of such a fantastic occasion."

Year 10 student Jessica Hardy, 15, of Ouston, who received the Durham County Young Volunteer of the Year Award 2011, will carry the torch through Tow Law.

She was chosen because of her voluntary work coaching five to 11-year-olds in netball, tennis and multi-skills and coaching at sports related summer camps.

Both students say they will be proud to represent the county and the academy when they carry the flame in honour of all the region’s young sportspeople.

Janice Riley, Head of Sixth Form and Assistant Headteacher , said: "These two inspirational young women give up so much of their own time to benefit and help others, so it is fitting that they should be given this opportunity."