A schoolboy, who doctors predicted would never walk, will proudly carry the Olympic Torch when it passes through Shropshire next year.

Mathew Clarke, from Lydbury North, was nominated for the honour by his family and has been given the conditional offer to be part of the torch relay.

Proud father, Colin said his 15-year-old son had overcome a number of medical conditions, battling the odds and defying doctors.

Mr Clarke said: “When I saw the adverts on the TV for young achievers to be nominated to carry the torch I thought of Mathew.

“He has managed to achieve so many things. I don’t want to go into everything for Mathew’s sake but the doctors thought he would not be able to walk.

“Me and his mum Sharon are very proud.” Mathew’s headteacher at Bishop’s Castle Community College, Alan Doust, said everyone at the school was very excited.

He said: “Mathew’s mum came into the school while he was doing a mock maths exam. I don’t think he was able to concentrate after that. This could not have happened to a nicer lad. “

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