PENDLE Forest Sports Club president Raymond Townsend is set to represent Pendle by carrying the Olympic torch.
Mr Townsend (76), of Dales View Park, Salterforth, joins the torch bearers chosen from the region after a successful nomination from his grandson.
Mr Townsend has been involved with Pendle Forest at every level since 1952, including playing for both the football and cricket teams along with roles such as secretary, groundsman, treasurer and his current role as president.
Last year, he was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Sports Award for his services to the Pendle area at this newspaper’s sports awards evening and this latest accolade caps off the many years he has dedicated to the sports club as well as the region.
Mr Townsend will join a long list of celebrities as well as community heroes when he carries the torch through Lancaster on June 22nd, the 33rd day of the Olympic torch procession.
Five other people from Pendle - Pendle Council leader Joe Cooney, Lucy Cowgill, Lizzie Stansfield, Jade Brindle and Alice Martindale - have also been chosen to carry the torch during its journey around the country.