First Torch Bearers announced

Rachel Nafzger, 21, from Daventry, is among the 6,800 individuals receiving an offer of a place as olympic torchbearer today.

Rachel was nominated through Coca-Cola's public nomination campaign for her voluntary work both at home in Northamptonshire and at University in Plymouth. Rachel said: 'I was so excited to learn that I have been offered the chance to carry the Olympic Flame next year. It is such a special honour and given the number of people who were nominated I feel very lucky indeed. I hope that my story encourages others to find ways to get involved with their local community and that people will come out and support me along the way.'

Over 60,000 nominations were received across the UK across four nomination campaigns. Each campaign incorporated a rigorous selection process and the nominations were read and evaluated by independent selection panels.

An average of 115 people a day will take centre stage next summer by carrying the Olympic Flame on its 8,000 mile journey around the UK before it arrives at the Olympic Stadium on 27 July 2012 for the lighting of the cauldron at the Opening Ceremony, signifying the official start of the London 2012 Olympic Games.

For more information go to www.london2012.com