A TIRELESS community volunteer and gay rights campaigner will help carry the Olympic torch through Hammersmith and Fulham.

Shepherd's Bush pair Bridget Stevenson, of Flanchford Road, and Chris Basiurski, of Alymer Road, will be two of the 7,300 torch-bearers helping the iconic flame on its 8,000 mile journey around the country.

Both were nominated for the honour but had to keep tight-lipped about their success for several months before the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) unveiled the route and participants on Monday.

They will take on their part of the course on July 26 when the torch will dip into the borough around Blythe Road and Milson Road on its way from Camden to Westminster and a day before it arrives at the Olympic Stadium.

Mrs Stevenson was nominated by her daughter and is over the moon at being selected for her community work as a volunteer at St John's Ambulance and St Peter's Church, in Hammersmith.

The 67-year-old is also a former chairman of the Hartswood Tennis Club, in Stamford Brook, and a volunteer with local girl guide groups.

She said: “My daughter nominated me for my community work which was really touching. Then I got a call a couple of months ago to tell me I had been successful.

“I was told to keep quiet while they did security checks and until it was all announced so it is nice to be able to finally speak about it.

“My first thought was 'oh my god am I going to have to run?' so I was relieved when I was told it would only be 300 yards. I have given them my measurements but the uniform is frightful. It looks like a baggy tracksuit so might not be too flattering.

“It is just nice to get recognition for what I have done but it has never felt like a chore.”

Mr Basiurski is chair of the Gay Football Supporters' Network and was part of the team to bring the International Gay and Lesbian FA World Championships to London in 2008.

The 33-year-old has also worked with the Football Association on its diversity panel.

“I am delighted and humbled at being chosen to carry the Olympic flame,” he said. “When I first came out I remember being told by my university society that I needed to 'drop the ridiculous straight obsession' with football if I was going to be happy in the gay world.

“I am really proud that the GFSN has helped change this attitude. I am very excited.”