AN inspirational Dudley running club coach took his turn to take on the prestigious role of Olympic torchbearer when the flame returned to the Midlands.

DK Running Club coach John Glover, from Netherton, played a part in sporting history by carrying the torch through Gnosall, Staffordshire, yesterday (Wednesday May 30).

John, aged 64, was nominated for the top role of torchbearer for his unfailing commitment to the Wall Heath based club and for helping to inspire newcomers on the group’s popular beginners’ course to achieve their potential.

The former engineer turned handyman, who has completed three marathons and who never misses a training session, said he was “honoured and privileged” to have been selected for the role.

More than 30 DK runners turned out to cheer on the grandfather-of-one who later stopped to show off the famous torch at the Park Tavern in Kingswinford.

He said afterwards: “I’m still up there on cloud nine. It was marvellous for me and everyone who came and supported me. It was brilliant - what an experience.”

John has now been invited to take along his torch and don his Olympic torchbearer’s outfit to start the club’s Gavin Tipper 5K memorial race taking place in aid of Action Heart on Tuesday June 12 at 7.30pm.

Any runners wishing to take part can still register on the club’s website www.dkrunningclub.co.uk