SPORTS fan Jane Flegg was looking forward to the Commonwealth Games arriving this summer so much she decided to get involved.

Now Jane, 16, a St Mary's Sixth Form College pupil, is one of the people chosen to carry the baton for the games on its journey from Buckingham Palace to Manchester, after she applied for the honour.

Jane, from Central Avenue, Oswaldtwistle, is such a keen sports fan she has also applied to be a steward at the event.

Blackburn's former superbike World champion Carl Fogarty and runner Jason Lobo are also believed to be among the people selected to carry the baton.

A keen hockey, netball and cricket player, Jane has been chosen as one of the 5,000 individuals who have either been nominated or who have volunteered and will carry the baton 500 yards each.

Although it has not been confirmed yet, she hopes she will carry it on the Blackburn stage.

Jane, who has battled against medical problems for the past two years, was delighted when she heard.

"I am excited because I am a keen sports fan. I was hopeful when I sent off my application, but I wasn't sure whether I'd get picked or not."

She will be doing the honours on July 22, which will be in the school holidays, but members of the St Mary's will be there to support her. Jane, who wants to be a PE teacher when she leaves school, was nominated for the honour by St Mary's College Duke of Edinburgh Award group.

She was chosen because of her keen interest in sport and for helping the community in helping teach PE to youngsters at her old school, Ryddings High School, Oswaldtwistle.

Jane plays netball for Hyndburn, plays for Blackburn Hockey Club and cricket at the Church club.