Retired teacher could join Foster and co. in carrying the Torch

By Charlie Talbot-Smith, Sportsbeat

A RETIRED teacher who works tirelessly in the community has been nominated to rub shoulders with the stars as a London 2012 Olympic Torch bearer.

CARRY THE FLAME: Mark Foster shows off the golden prize people from all over the country are being nominated to carry next summer as part of a Lloyds TSB initiative

In association with Lloyds TSB members of the public are being encouraged to nominate the person they believe most deserves to carry the Olympic Flame as it tours the UK and Claire Humpherson has been one of the first to be picked out.

Mrs Humpherson has devoted herself to a number of different groups in Newcastle since she retired ten years ago.

And Mrs Humpherson, 69, admits she has found the whole thing a bit embarrassing after being nominated.

"I can't quite believe it to be perfectly honest with you, I'm not sure what to say," said the former teacher.

"I had no interest in just sitting around at home and doing nothing all day so it seems perfectly natural to me to go out and get involved in the village.

"It started with The Hut but I also run a quilting club in the village hall and am secretary for the local St John's ambulance training centre.

"But from my point of view it's just nice to be busy, I don't see it as being anything particularly special but since I retired and my husband passed away I've had a lot more spare time to get involved."

To nominate yourself or someone else to be a London 2012 Olympic Torchbearer with Lloyds TSB, visit www.lloydstsb.com/carrytheflame.  Nominations close on 12 September.  Terms and Conditions apply.