JULIE Clawson, Head of Maths at Queen Elizabeth's Academy, Crediton, has described as "an awesome experience" and a "huge honour", running with the Olympic torch.

Julie (49), who ran with the torch in Braunton, was nominated by her daughter, Savannah, who explained that her mother was an inspiration, "well-known and respected by the people of our community".

Savannah, added in her nomination: "In between all of her marking and meetings, she gives up the little spare time she has to running and holds numerous meetings of running groups at our local leisure centre in Crediton.

"She takes part in many races and not content with completing marathons herself, has trained and inspired other people to follow in her footsteps.

"She was the person who inspired me to take up running and I have now completed many races and even got the chance to meet Olympic runners myself.

"She works really hard to give others the opportunity to take part in her running groups (at one time she was running three, one hour long groups continuously on a Thursday night!).

"She also runs a group for teenage girls, which I attend and believe it has really benefited all of us who take part. I think she is an inspiration and would be honoured to carry the Olympic torch whilst doing the thing that she loves."

Julie's day began at 8.30am in Bristol, where she boarded the coach with all the runners taking part that day.

Julie said she was amongst many "inspirational" people and felt humbled to be among them.

At each leg ahead of the flame, one of the torchbearers would be dropped at their respective handover point and while waiting many people had their photograph taken with Julie.

Her torch was lit by a lady from Exeter and while running Julie said it was "like being a celebrity".

She added: "I was stunned, I couldn't believe it. It was surreal and real and over before I knew it. It was truly a privilege to be one of the 8,000 people to carry the torch.

"I was delighted that among those I was with on the coach and who ran before me was an 85 years-old-man who was due to carry the torch in 1948 but could not do it because he was suffering from appendicitis on the day.

"My torch was the last on the route before it was returned to be carried on the bus, so when I completed my journey the flame from my torch was used to light one of the miner's lamps which then went on the bus.

"It was a really special experience and I must thank my daughter who nominated me for my work with Crediton Running Network and for other things I do.

"I am also a Ten Tors trainer and run the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh's Award at Queen Elizabeth's.

"To carry the torch was one of the best things I have achieved in my life and I have done a lot of things including climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and travelling to South America.

"I had to buy my torch for £200 and now I am going to use it to raise funds towards a QE expedition to Borneo to save the Orangutangs, which I will be leading in July 2013.

"Since I carried the torch I have spoken to many classes at the college and had many photographs taken.

"It was simply an awesome experience and I shall be dining out on the story for many years to come."

'I WAS CHUFFED' SAID PETER

Former Police Sgt Peter Brewer was nominated to be an Olympic torchbearer by a friend, Steve Elston.

Steve wrote: "Peter has just reached 65 years old. He does so much for our local community in Crediton Devon, I don't know where he gets all his energy.

"He is a great international ambassador; he started and has chaired the local Twinning Association with Avranches in France. Peter runs the boule competitions, Bar-b-ques and curry nights at his own house to raise money for the Association.

He started the local swimming club and has been a coach there ever since the pool opened about 15 years ago.

"He runs swimming competitions for Cub-Scouts in Exeter and also runs a synchronised swimming club. He has been Group Scout Leader in Crediton for more years than I can remember.

"Since he retired from being a Police Sergeant he has been a house parent at the local school boarding house, where the pupils in his care respect and confide in him, probably more than to their own parents.

"He is a very quiet, kind and caring individual. These are just a few of the things Peter does, he is truly an unsung local hero who does his best for our community and I think very deserving for the honour of carrying the Olympic torch."

Peter was a torchbearer in Ilfracombe and ran 600m, as did fellow Crediton Swimming Club member, Daniel Weston, who did the previous journey and who was accompanied by his sister, Anna.

Peter explained: "I was sponsored by Samsung and they very kindly gave me my torch following my journey.

"My day began with a briefing and where I found that sportsman Jonathan Edwards was also on the same leg as myself and Daniel and Anna.

"Jonathan was pointing out his childhood home as we went along and later met school friends he had not seen since that time.

"I was dropped at my starting point, which was further down than planned but fortunately I was able to get a message to my wife, Valerie, son David and his son, Connor, who were supporting me that day, along with Steve Elston and Muriel Grimes, head of boarding and four international students from the college.

"They were in just the right place, fortunately, to see me start and it was great that Daniel handed over the flame to me.

"It was like being famous for five minutes and, to be honest, it was very special and the atmosphere was superb.

"People were cheering and waving and very happy.

"I am really 'chuffed' that I was able to do it."

Mr Brewer has taken his torch with him to meetings and events in Crediton and says he sees the fact that he carried it as an honour for the town.

A number of other Kirtonians are also playing roles at the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics as volunteer helpers etc during the next few months.