Proud moment for borough torch bearers (From Dudley News)

Proud moment for borough torch bearers

10:12pm Saturday 30th June 2012 in News

IT was a proud moment for Dudley College student, Ross Ensor, who carried the Olympic Torch this afternoon.

The event was extra special, as Ross, aged 18, was the only one of the 11 torchbearers carrying the torch through Dudley today, who was actually from the borough.

The sports student was nominated by his tutor for his dedicated voluntary work through the Youth Sport Trust Step into Sport Volunteer Passport.

The teenager, a keen West Bromwich Albion fan, was given the prestigious honour of carrying the iconic flame from just past the King Arthur pub on the Birmingham New Road into Dudley Canal Trust, where the flame continued its journey by boat to the Black Country Living Museum.

Ross, who also coaches and manages the Under 8’s Kewford Eagles every weekend, was cheered by his young prodigies and family and friends, including proud parents, Rachel and Paul and younger brother, Callum, aged 14.

Speaking to the News, Ross said: “It was a fantastic honour to represent the people of Dudley, especially in Dudley. I can’t really put the feeling into words.

“I couldn’t believe the crowds who had turned out, it was a little nerve-racking and overwhelming but brilliant to be a part of.”

Mum, Rachel, said: “We are all very proud of him. He deserved it. He works so hard for the community and the college and also won student of the year for all his volunteer work.”

Also carrying the torch today was Gavin Ellis from Upper Gornal who took part in the Wolverhampton leg of the relay.

Gavin, aged 35, who works for InterContinental Hotels Group in Brierley Hill, was picked for the role for raising thousands of pounds over the last five years for charities including Guide Dogs for the Blind, Multiple Sclerosis Society UK and Cancer Research UK through a series of marathons and walks.

Stourbridge teenage hero, Ben Hudson, formed part of the relay as it made its way into Wolverhampton from Willenhall.

The youngster was nominated for his quick-thinking actions in saving the life of Chloe West, who was stabbed outside her school last April.

Ben rugby-tackled Samuel Gayzer-Tomlinson, from Sedgley, to the ground during the attack on Chloe, despite receiving knife injuries himself in the process.

Ben also passed the flame onto Kingswinford’s Ceri Davies.

The inspirational 22 year-old, who was born with spina bifida and cerebral palsy, has dedicated her life to campaigning on disability and youth issues in a variety of ways including as an ambassador for the Princess Diana Trust, as a prominent member of Dudley's Youth Parliament and governor for Birmingham Children's Hospital.