Mary nominates Wakefield sporting heroes to carry Olympic torch

Wakefield MP Mary Creagh has nominated local sporting heroes, John Newsome and Les D'arcy, to carry the Olympic flame as it travels through West Yorkshire next year.

90 year old Les D'arcy and 69 year old John Newsome said they were 'flabbergasted' after receiving the news that Mary had given their names to the London 2012 Organising Committee, who are organising the torch relay.

Mary said "I go to a lot of events throughout the city and John and Les are outstanding role models for our young people"

"They have both really impressed me with their commitiment and I thought, who better to choose?"

Mr Newsome, 69, was crowned Wakefield Sportsman of the Year in 1968, before winning a life time achievement award at the Wakefield Express sports award in 2007.

Les D'Arcy, from Wakefield said "It's a fantastic honour and it shows people have a bit of confidence in me". The 90-year old has won British, European and world titles in numerous events such as table tennis, weightlifting and atletics.

The shortlist of nominations will be revealed in August and they pair will find out if they've been successful in December.