ONE Bournemouth School will be literally blazing a trail for the Olympics this summer with its ten-strong team of torchbearers.

Bournemouth School for Girls is one of only ten schools in the country to have such a large number of students selected to carry the Olympic flame.

The girls were chosen by Lloyds TSB, one of the partners of The Games, for their contribution to a community outreach programme to a special needs school, sports leadership, staging sporting festivals for local primary schools and organising school assemblies and house competitions.

Head teacher Alistair Brien said: “We are immensely proud as a school, to have been nominated for this tremendous honour. Each of the girls selected is a leading sportswoman in her own right but has also contributed immensely to encouraging younger girls in their chosen sport. All are very worthy nominees who very much live up to the ideals of the Olympic Games.”

The team of torchbearers includes: Rachael Jeffries, 12, who represented Team GB at Biathle in Bulgaria in 2011, achieving a silver medal. She also competes nationally in cross country but still finds time for community work.

Jasmine Holmes, 13, is a national level swimmer and is on the regional talent programme.

Elisabeth Hood, 14, is a World Biathle Champion for the last two years and has competed at national level in athletics and cross-country.

Bethany Hebditch, 15, is currently working towards reaching a national qualifying time. She balances her swim training programme with voluntary work including assisting at netball tournaments.

Ella Donnelly, 15, is a talent sports performer in a vast array of sports. Honours include captain of the Dorset and Wilts under-15 rugby team. She is also an accomplished gymnast.

Megan Barraclough, 16 is the school’s PE ambassador. She created a mentoring system for young footballers and plays for Dorset’s under-18 football and cricket teams.

Abigail Audrain, 16, demonstrates all the qualities of a sports performer, ambassador, official and volunteer, When she is not competing in gymnastics she coaches beginners and marshalls at sports events within the community.

Imogen Mead, 18, has reached national finals in netball, umpires school matches and contributes to the school community as House Captain. She also organises a variety of sports and charity events.

Ashleigh Stock, 15, is an England under-17 netball player and will be competing on this year’s European Championships. She is described as a true sports ambassador in every sense – an inspirational coach and umpire.

Kirstie Urwin, 17, sails for Team GB and is a member of the National Youth squad. She also coaches at her local club and runs a weekly fitness club for students.