An Otley Olympic medallist was today due to represent the town when he took place in the Queen's Jubilee Baton relay race.

Martin Bentley, of Newall Carr Road, was chosen to carry the Queen's Jubilee Baton through Thirsk town centre at 1pm.

The 32-year-old who has severe learning difficulties was nominated to take part in the race following his outstanding performance in the 2001 special Olympic games in Cardiff.

The Sports Council put his name forward after he gained gold, silver and bronze medals in the Olympic swimming event.

His mother Carol Bentley said: "I am very proud of him and because he has severe learning difficulties I am prouder than ever.

"I will be there taking photographs. He was put forward because of his performance when he swam in the special Olympics in Cardiff in June 2001.

"Martin is very proud and he is looking forward to it. He is a bit nervous, but he is thrilled to bits. He might run his 500 yards as it is not very far."

The baton left Buckingham Palace on Commonwealth Day, March 11, and has journeyed through 22 countries before it returned to Britain on June 6. It will signal the opening of the Commonwealth Games when it arrives in Manchester on July 25 and is presented back to the Queen.

The baton itself contains a message from the Queen for the opening of the games, it will travel to 500 towns in 50 days and be carried by 5,000 runners.