A Marathon runner from Monmouth will carry the Olympic Torch on 25th March – but not through Monmouth.

Mark Williamson will run through the Worcestershire village of Powick after being nominated both by work colleagues and Macmillan Cancer Support as an inspirational individual who has spearheaded fundraising campaigns raising just under £1 million for charity.

George Ryley, a Year 12 pupil at Monmouth Comprehensive School, has been picked to run through Blaenavon.

Emma King, a member of the Spirit of Monmouth Running Club and captain of Monmouth Netball Club will be carrying the Olympic Torch in Pontypool.

Mark Williamson has just returned from his latest marathon in New Orleans and is set to raise even more money for Macmillan Cancer Support in London later next month.

He said: "I was delighted to be nominated by colleagues and by my favourite charity.

"The selection process was quite lengthy, including the nominations, a ballot, review and selection by a panel, security clearance and at last it has been confirmed.

"With almost a dozen nominations for each place I feel lucky and priveliged to have been chosen.

"I'm really looking forward to the day and am happy that I can now share this moment with all those who have helped me along the way."

For information on more of the runners selected to carry the torch, see page 2 of this week's Beacon. (21st March).