FORMER Minehead Mayor and stalwart charity fundraiser Meigan Lyons has been picked to play a pivotal role in the run-up to the forthcoming Paralympics.

Mrs Lyons, who lives in Whitegate Close, Minehead, has been nominated by the charity Act 4 Africa to carry the Paralympic torch on a stage from Stoke Mandeville Hospital to the Olympic Stadium.

She has spent many years fundraising for the charity and, through the organisation, has visited Africa to help with Aids and HIV prevention education.

"This is such a privilege and I am so proud that I will be carrying the torch, not only on behalf of Act 4 Africa, but on behalf of everyone in Minehead and West Somerset who has supported me," Mrs Lyons said.