Sandwell's first London 2012 torchbearer ready to honour athletes

Mum-of-three Lisa Higgins, from Rowley Regis, is due to carry the Olympic Flame at 8.19am.

She is the first of a dozen Sandwell residents to be carrying the torch this summer.

Lisa is a rhythmic gymnastics coach, who coaches people aged three to 22 all over the country, including London 2012 hopeful Frankie Jones. Most of her coaching is done on a voluntary basis.

She said today: "I am extremely proud to be carrying the torch for Sandwell, my sport rhythmic gymnastics and to honour all the sacrifices that the athletes and their coaches have made on their journey to the Games."

Lisa followed in her late mum Margaret Higgins' footsteps - Margaret was an Olympic judge in rhythmic gymnasts for the 1988 Seoul Olympics.

Lisa, who grew up in Halesowen, said: "I am very pleased to be part of the Olympics and bringing London 2012 out of the capital around the country."

Sandwell Council leader Councillor Darren Cooper said: "We are proud of all our torchbearers and wish Lisa all the best for her once-in-a-lifetime moment, which she thoroughly deserves in recognition of her wonderful achievements."

You can find more information on Sandwell's torchbearers on our torchbearers web page.

The Olympic Flame comes to the Black Country, including Oldbury, West Bromwich and Smethwick, on Saturday 30 June.

For information on how Sandwell is celebrating the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, including the Torch Relay, visit our Sandwell for 2012 website and this website.