WHILE the Olympic flame sets out on its epic journey around the UK, a Bournemouth woman has learned that she will carry the Paralympic equivalent.

Judith Cooling, 26, from Queens Park, was nominated by the Castlepoint branch of games sponsor Sainsburys.

She was born with Down’s syndrome and a hole in her heart and has developed into a world class swimmer.

She has competed for Great Britain’s Down’s syndrome team, winning numerous gold, silver and bronze medals at World Championships around the globe.

Judith has coached swimming at her old school, Linwood, and volunteers in the nursery class and the special care unit.

She runs with the Bournemouth Special Olympic Athletic Club and trains three times a week with Swim Bournemouth.

Judith, from Queen’s Park, said: “I am so excited. I am really honoured to be taking part in a momentous occasion for both the United Kingdom and Bournemouth.”

Mum Maureen told the Echo: “I am hoping the flame gets lots of attention like the Olympic flame because they deserve it just as much.”

Once the Flame has been lit, it will be carried by Judith and the other torchbearers on a 24-hour relay from Stoke Mandeville in Aylesbury to the Olympic Park in Stratford, East London.

There, the flame will be used to officially open the Paralympic Games. The relay will take on August 28 and 29.