THERE were special cheers for Joe Beswick on his 81st birthday when the athletics veteran and Frodsham community stalwart heard he had been chosen as an honoured Olympic Torch-bearer.

Double celebrations began last week for Joe – a successful athlete, still competing after 60 years, who has coached countless sporting youngsters and dedicated voluntary warden of Frodsham Marshes and countryside footpaths.

He received a surprise email from the London 2012 organising committee, saying he was one of 8,000 ‘inspirational’ nominees chosen to carry the Olympic flame as it journeys across the UK this summer.

“It was a bit of a surprise and obviously I’m delighted – but, in some respects, I feel a bit selfish getting a fantastic reward like this in the twilight of my athletics career for something I love doing,” said the retired engineering supervisor, of Maori Drive, who has lived in or around the town for most of his life.

Joe will sport a specially-designed uniform as he proudly holds the hallowed flame aloft for his quarter-mile section run through Macclesfield on May 31.

The exact time and route will not be revealed until about a month before – but Joe’s many friends and family, including his son, two daughters and five grandchildren, are already planning to join thousands expected to line the streets to cheer him on during his once-in-a-lifetime experience.

An original member of Frodsham Harriers, Joe has been a linchpin at Helsby Running Club since 1987, where he is captain and team manager of the ladies’ section. He runs weekly athletics training sessions at the club and Helsby High School throughout the summer.

“I’ve always had a keen interest in helping young people develop their talents,” said Joe who, for many years, fostered several children with his ex wife, Jenie, and ran a youth club at Dunhamon-the-Hill in the 1950s.

Joe has competed in fell running, road and cross-country races in his long athletics career. At the age of 63 he ran the full 32-mile length of the daunting Sandstone Trail from Frodsham to Whitchurch in 6hrs 46secs, and was still running competitively until three years ago.

“If it wasn’t for a niggling knee I’d still be running, that’s for sure –but I haven’t given up on it yet!”

Meanwhile, he is making a name for himself in field events, and last year he notched up record javelin and discus throws for his age category in the Northern Veterans championships.

A voluntary warden for Frodsham Marshes for 20 years, he is regularly out clearing litter and guarding against fly-tippers.

Joe is also a longstanding member of the Woodland Trust, and for many years he has supported Frodsham Town Council working voluntarily inspecting and keeping the community’s network of public footpaths clear and tidy.

He was nominated as a torch bearer by Adair Broughton, captain of the men’s section at Helsby Running Club.

He said: “I can’t think of a more apt person to do it. Joe is one of the most caring and supportive people I’ve ever met. He does so much for the club and is always there with positive advice. He does so much for the community.”