A BOURNEMOUTH man is one of just 50 people nationwide to carry the torch for Cancer Research in the Golden Jubilee Torch Relay.

Allan Wood, 49, of Manor Road, East Cliff, has been chosen by Cancer Research UK to carry the torch one stage of its route into London in memory of his parents who both had cancer.

The flame was initially used by The Queen to light the Millennium beacon on December 31 1999 and has been kept alight since in preparation for the Golden Jubilee Summer Party Torch Relay.

Allan, PR manager at British Gas in Southampton, said: "I'm really looking forward to it. British Gas is involved in the event from a sponsorship point of view and I said I would really like to be involved.

"All the people taking part have had their lives affected by cancer. Some of them have had cancer and recovered.

"I feel very privileged to be taking part. My father died from prostate cancer after suffering for almost eight years, and my mother was successfully treated for breast cancer."

Allan is one of only 50 people in the country to take part in the event. From April 29 to May 22 they will bring the flame into London from Great Yarmouth.

On May 23, pop band Atomic Kitten will carry the torch into St Paul's Cathedral, London where a special service for all of Britain's cancer charities and organisations will be held.

Golden Jubilee Summer party Chairman Bruno Peek OBE said: "We all look on this flame as a beacon of hope for all cancer sufferers."