Olympic Torch passes through south Shropshire today

The route is expected to be lined with spectators hoping to catch a glimpse of the flame which is making its 8,000 mile journey around the UK, giving thousands of communities and individuals their moment to shine.

The torch relay which is visiting more than 1,000 villages, towns and cities will pass through south Shropshire from north Herefordshire before heading into north Worcestershire.

Amongst today’s torch bearers those from Shropshire will be Matty Clarke, 15, from Lydbury North, Meryl Handley, 61, from Eardiston and Stuart Watson, 16, from Telford.

Matty Clarke from Lydbury North will be carrying the torch though Ludlow. Matty has a genetic disorder, suffering from brittle asthma, he has two small holes in his heart, and loose joints. He hopes to show people that having disabilities do not need to affect your lifestyle.

Also carrying the torch through Ludlow is Meryl Handley from Eardiston. Meryl has been involved with Guiding in Tenbury Wells for the last 25 years. Meryl runs Brownies and Guides. She has also been District and Division Commissioner. She says her reward is watching girls grow in to confident young women who are ready to face the big wide world because they are prepared to be different and not influenced by peer pressure.

Stuart Watson, 16, from Telford will carry the flame through Cleobury Mortimer. Stuart has overcome the death of his father from cancer in 2009 and takes a full and active role in both school and community life. He helps out at home supporting his mum, raises money for cancer research and volunteers in a PDSA shop at weekends. He takes part in and helps out at a number of afterschool clubs and is also helping run a club at John Fletcher Junior school.

Ludlow Olympic Torch Route
The torch route will begin in Lower Broad Street at 13.57 before making its way along Old Street, the Bull Ring, Corve Street, Station Drive, Gravel Hill before turning onto Henley road and finishing at the junction of Weyman Road.

The flame will then go into transit on route to Clee Hill.

Carrying the torch through Ludlow will be:
- Alex Hollis, 12, from Kidderminster
- Chole Stanik, 13, from Leominster
- Emma Patrick, 45, from Hereford
- Lucy Fellows, 15, from Stourport On Severn
- Matty Clarke, 15, from Lydbury North
- Meryl Handley,61, from Eardiston

Roads Closed
13.40 - 14.20 Ludlow (parking along the route suspended 10.00-14.20)

Clee Hill Olympic Torch Route
The torch route will begin in Ludlow Road at around 14.31 having arrived in transit. Beginning at the junction of Clee Vantage on Ludlow Road, the torch will make its way along Ludlow Road through to High Street.
The flame will then go into transit on route to Cleobury Mortimer.

Carrying the torch through Clee Hill will be:
- Alex Peart, 18, from Stourbridge
- Bill Hoe, 51, from Worcester

Roads Closed
14.20 - 14.35 Cleehill (parking along the route suspended 12.30-14.35)

Cleobury Mortimer Olympic Torch Route
The torch route will begin on Ludlow Road at around 14.47 having arrived in transit from Clee Hill.

Beginning at the junction of Larks Rise the torch will be carried along Ludlow Road through to High Street, Church Street, Lower Street and onto Station Road where it will go into transit just past Yeldside Gardens.

The flame will then go into transit on route to Far Forest.

Carrying the torch through Cleobury Mortimer will be:
- Christopher Morton, 69, from Malvern
- Stuart Watson, 16, from Telford

Roads Closed
14.35 - 15.00 Cleobury Mortimer (parking along the route suspended (08.00-15.00)

BBC Shropshire Live Torch Relay Coverage
As the Olympic Torch Relay passes through south Shropshire coverage of its arrival and progress through south Shropshire will be on BBC Radio Shropshire.

Throughout the day listeners will be able to get the latest details on the relay with presenters and reporters located across the area.

You can also watch the Olympic Torch Relay pass through south Shropshire live online.

Wednesday 30 May Shropshire Olympic Torch Visit
On Wednesday 30 May the Olympic torch will visit Oswestry, Pant, Llanymynech, Shrewsbury, Cressage, Much Wenlock, Benthall, Broseley, Ironbridge, Telford and Newport.