Olympic hope for Harry

The 12-year-old from Mirfield has come through the initial selection process for the 2012 honour.

His nomination will now be considered by a panel who will decide on local bearers for the Olympic flame as it passes through Yorkshire on June 24 next year nex year.

The results will be revealed on December 5 and Harry’s thrilled mum, Sharron, says he has a one in 14 chance of being chosen.

“He was chuffed to bits when he found out,” said Mrs Crowther. “Now it’s just a question of keeping fingers crossed and hoping for the best.”

Coun Martyn Bolt, who helped launch Harry’s nomination, said: “This is great news.” He will pass on the news to Mirfield-born actor Sir Patrick Stewart, who is also backing Harry’s nomination.

Harry, who attends Castle Hall School, suffers from a rare condition which means his body is ageing five times faster than it should.