ONE of the Olympic torchbearers who will run through the streets of Bridport next month has offered to loan his torch to the town.

And Peter Hellawell also hopes to make visits to schools in the area to inspire local youngsters to carry forward the Olympic legacy.

Peter, from Bournemouth, visited Bridport to find out more about the town where he will carry the Olympic flame on July 12.

“I know Bridport mostly as a place to start walks, but I have had a fabulous reaction from people I know when I say that I am carrying the torch here, they say it is a fantastic place.”

Peter, who will be 49 when he takes part in the London 2012 cavalcade, has lived with HIV for more than half his life.

He was one of the first people to be diagnosed, in 1984, and has worked tirelessly to break down the stigma attached to the virus.

At the age of 40 he trained to run the London Marathon and has since completed many long-distance runs.

He has raised thousands of pounds for charities including Help and Care, Julia’s House children’s hospice and Positive Action, which provides support and help for people affected by HIV.

He said: “I’m really looking forward to working with people in Bridport and we are planning to arrive for the Torch Relay on an open-topped double-decker bus.

“I am lucky enough to be given my torch and I won’t be selling it on eBay.

“So I thought it would be good to lend it to Bridport so people will be able to take a close look.”

He added: “This is a fantastic honour for me and I shall be lifting the flame as a symbol of hope for all those living with and affected by HIV.”

Town clerk Bob Gillis said that he had been delighted to meet Peter before the big day and that they were planning some events for July 12 with him and the other torchbearers Katie Norman and Laura Kerr.