A DIETICIAN and keen runner from Dorchester says she was ‘thrilled and humbled’ to be chosen as one of the county’s Olympic torchbearers.

Sandra Hood, 53, will proudly carry the flame through Milborne St Andrew as the torch relay passes through Dorset on Thursday, July 12.

She was nominated as an inspirational torchbearer in recognition of her support for various charities, including animal welfare organisation Compassion in World Farming.

Sandra, an NHS diabetes specialist dietician, raised over £1,000 for the organisation when she ran the London Marathon last year to boost its work to improve the lives of millions of animals suffering in factory farms in the UK and worldwide.

Sandra, who completed the 26-mile capital city run in an impressive three hours and 41 minutes, also ran the New Forest Marathon in 2009 and came first in the women over 50s category.

She said: “I am thrilled and humbled to have been chosen as an Olympic flame torchbearer.

“I like to keep fit and running is my relaxation.

“I ran the 2011 marathon in aid of Compassion in World Farming after co-founding the local supporter group, Compassion Dorset.”

Sandra said she was looking forward to her big moment on July 12 and being a ‘part of Olympic history’.

She said: “I am looking forward to Compassionate Dorset members cheering me on as I carry the flame as I’ll probably be quite nervous but will also feel very proud to be able to be a part of Olympic history here in Dorset.

“I’ll also be flying the flag for healthy and compassionate living too.”

The day after Sandra carries the flame, Compassionate Dorset will be setting up at the Tolpuddle Festival from Friday, July 13 to Sunday, July 15.

Compassion in World Farming was founded in 1967 by a British dairy farmer who was horrified by the development of modern, intensive factory farming.

It now campaigns peacefully to end all cruel factory farming processes.

To find out more visit ciwf.org or for more information about the local Dorset supporter group go to compassionatedorset.co.uk