By Karen Evans

Last updated at 11:30, Thursday, 17 May 2012

A man who is still as ‘fit as a fiddle’ at the grand age of 85 will carry the Olympic torch next month.

John Merritt

John Merritt, a retired Open University professor, underwent two knee replacements six years ago but still goes walking at least three times a week.

His walks in the Lake District include the Fairfield Horseshoe, Scafell Pike and Helvellyn.

He is one of 14 people from west Cumbria among the 43 selected to carry the London 2012 Olympic torch through the area and was nominated by his son, Austen.

Mr Merritt, of Cross Street, Keswick, served in the border regiment from 1944 to 1948 and was stationed in Glenridding for 18 months where he met his wife Denise, 85.

He was also a track racing cyclist in the early 1940s.

“I’m still as fit as a fiddle so I don’t need to do any training prior to the event because I go on regular walks and sometimes go for runs,” said Mr Merritt.

“I’ve been fit all my life and have always been very active, I definitely plan to run the distance on the day. I’m very honoured to be carrying the torch.”

Mr Merritt has played an active role in education also teaching at Durham University from 1964 to 1970 and was national and international president of the Reading Association, which promotes literacy.

His son Quentin, 51, and wife Denise will be at the event to support him on June 21 when he takes the torch to Workington.

Mr Merritt played an active role in education and was national and international president of the Reading Association, which promotes literacy.

The Olympic torch arrives in Cumbria on Wednesday, June 20 visiting Brough, Appleby, Penrith and Carlisle.

Next day it leaves Carlisle on route to Wigton, Aspatria, Maryport, Flimby, Workington, Whitehaven, Cockermouth, Keswick, Grasmere, Ambleside and then on to Bowness.

First published at 11:24, Thursday, 17 May 2012
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk