RICHMONDSHIRE’S only local runner in the Olympic Torch Relay is preparing for his moment in the spotlight on June 20 when he will run through Richmond.

John Hacking, 57, was nominated as a torchbearer for his work with sport in the local community during his 35 years of teaching PE at Risedale Sports and Community College in Catterick Garrison.

Mr Hacking, from Tunstall, near Richmond, played competitive sports until he was forced to retire due to an injury aged 52, but still enjoys swimming, jogging, cycling and canoeing.

Mr Hacking is a basketball referee for the Teesside League and also referees for the Hambleton and Richmondshire Schools Association and the Richmond Rugby Club Juniors.

He said: “I am extremely proud, but very humble, to have been chosen out of the thousands of people nominated to carry the torch.”

“Even though this is an individual award I would like to think that I am representing the enormous number of volunteers who work tirelessly to keep sport thriving in this country for young people."

Mr Hacking is a voluntary groundsman for Richmond Rugby Club, part time groundsman at Richmond Cricket Club and collects mail from post boxes in Leyburn to deliver it to the Darlington sorting office.

Mr Hacking will be one of 15 torchbearers carrying the Olympic flame through Aysgarth, Leyburn and Richmond – but the only one living in the district.

The torch arrives in Thirsk on June 20 by train, travelling through the town before heading for Northallerton, Bedale, Aysgarth Falls, Leyburn and Richmond.