Basingstoke MP Maria Miller is delighted that two inspirational borough residents that she nominated as Olympic torchbearers have made it through the shortlisting to the next stage of the selection process.

Aaron Morgan, who was left paralysed from the waist down after a motocross accident at the age of 15, has gone on to secure commercial sponsorship and compete in national level motor racing. And Michaela Riley who, as founder and chair of the Peace of Mind charity, set up the Popley Spotlight Centre, which goes from strength to strength. The two nominees will now go forward to a regional judging panel, and will know in early December whether they have been selected.

Maria has been lobbying the London 2012 Organising Committee and the Sports Minister for the Olympic Torch relay route to come through Basingstoke. The detailed route will be revealed later this year.

Maria said: Aaron and Michaela are inspirational individuals, and it would be fantastic if they were to be chosen to be Olympic torchbearers. It would be even more amazing if they were able to carry the torch through Basingstoke, and I am sure that many many people would be out on the streets to cheer them on their way.”