Nineteen year old Vanessa Brann will take her place in history when she carries the Olympic torch through the streets of Ross on Friday, May 25th.

The former John Kyrle High School pupil is an athlete who has represented Herefordshire many times. Vanessa loves all sports, and plays netball and hockey as well as competing in cross country events. She is thrilled to have been successful and said it was wonderful that someone had nominated her, and a real surprise to have been chosen. She is both excited and nervous at carrying the flame through her home town.

Vanessa is currently a student at Staffordshire Unversity studying for a degree in Sports Development and Coaching and is in the University Athletics Team and the Netball Squad.

While at John Kyrle High School she attended English Schools final every year from year 8 and still holds some John Kyrle records such as the 1500 metres.

She started running while at Ashfield Park Primary School and was Herefordshire Cross Country Champion for six years. Vanessa has been unable to take part in major cross country races this year due to an injury sustained playing netball at University, but she is now back training. She is preparing for the British Universities championships in May which will take place at the Olympic Stadium.

Nigel Griffiths, Headteacher at John Kyrle, said he was absolutely delighted that Vanessa would be carrying the Olympic Torch in Ross. He said, "Vanessa is a very talented athlete who devotes a great deal of her time to her chosen sport of middle-distance running. Not only did she represent the school on many occasions in a wide range of sports, she also holds a number of athletics records."

Her love of, and dedication to, sport was such that Vanessa was also of great assistance to the school PE Department in working with younger students. Mr Griffiths said he was particularly pleased for Vanessa's family as her sister, Abi, is a former student, her brother Kieran, a current student, and her Mum,Wendy, is a member of staff.

Her grandparents, Sue and Alwyn Kirby, said:?"We are absolutely thrilled, not only for Vanessa but also her parents, Rod and Wendy. They have contributed so much to her athletics careers, taking her all over the country to different meetings, it is like a dream."

Vanessa, who will be wearing a white and gold uniform designed by Adidas, will take over carrying the torch at the Ledbury Road junction with Oak Rise at 10.12am. The torch will then go up Cantilupe Road and Gloucester Road along High Street before it is taken back into the vehicle at Swan House at 10.30am.

There is a huge amount of planning needed to accommodate the numbers of people expected to crowd into the town for this historic occasion.

Ross Town Council needs to know of any large groups which intend to attend, such as local schools, and especially if they are intending to travel by coach. Anyone who wants to help with the organisation or to volunteer as a steward should contact the Town Clerk on 01989 562373.