Published at 16:15, Wednesday, 08 August 2012

A PUPIL who carried an Olympic torch in the procession through the Lake District showed it to youngsters at a summer camp.

Children who attended the opening day of the Going for Gold Allimpics at Dalton Methodist Church were treated to a glimpse of the torch carried by Phil Barker.

The 12-year-old Dowdales School pupil was nominated for the role by his school in recognition of his work in caring for his mum, Caroline Barker, who has rheumatoid arthritis.

Bob Mantle, one of the leaders of the camp which runs for one week during each summer holiday period, said: “We asked Philip for two reasons. First of all, he is a local lad who goes to Dowdales, and because he came as a senior pupil, almost a junior helper, last year for the five sessions.

“He was already familiar and we asked him if he would like to come and show the kids his torch and be the celebrity opener.”

This year the Christian club, which was set up 30 years ago, has an Olympic theme.

Around 45 children, up to age 11, have been attending the Chapel Street centre each day.

They have been divided into six groups, with each assigned the name of an Olympic nation of either Egypt, Holland, Canada, China, Israel or Italy. The youngsters have enjoyed activities such as craft sessions, Olympics-based games such as bowling and archery with paper planes, and baking. Mr Mantle added: “They’re having a whale of a time.

“They have a song we do every day and they’re learning the actions for it and do a play at the end.

“It’s good, old-fashioned fun and it gets them out of the house for two hours every morning.”

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