A 91-YEAR-OLD retired police constable will be playing a special role when the London 2012 Olympic Torch relay arrives in the county town.

Alfred Barrett, of Dorchester, will be linking this summer’s home Games to the last London Olympics in 1948 as guest of honour at the Lloyds TSB branch this Thursday.

He will be at the bank, which is a Presenting Partner of the 2012 torch relay, from 12pm with town Mayor Andy Canning.

In 1948 Mr Barrett carried the Olympic flame on a two-mile leg through Shaftesbury, along with his fellow Dorset Constable Athletic Club member – the late Sergeant Kenneth Pearce.

His replica Olympic Torch from 64 years ago is on display in the branch this week until Thursday and all are welcome to have a look.

The London 2012 Olympic flame is due to reach Grey’s Bridge, Dorchester at 1.46pm on Thursday, welcomed by a peal of bells from St George’s Church.

Bell ringers will also be on hand at St Peter’s Church, as the torch is carried along High East Street.

Dorchester’s Lloyds TSB branch, will be closed for 45 minutes while the torch passes along High West Street, with staff handing out balloons and banners for people to wave.