A father from Sutton has been chosen to carry the Olympic Torch as it makes its way around the UK.

John Warr, 46, will run the 1,500-metre relay in Sutton on July 23 after he was nominated by his colleagues at Thomas Cook for his passion for athletics and dedication to charity.

The father of two has raised £200,000 for children’s charities through various sporting events with his team.

He has a personal goal of completing a minimum of three marathons a year, two triathlons and a few sponsored cycle rides.

He said: “It is a special honour to be involved in such a momentous event and I feel it is my duty to my do my local community proud.

“I would especially like to thank my colleagues at Thomas Cook, with whose support and generosity I'm able to achieve my goals and continue to raise valuable money for great charitable causes.”

Mr Warr met his wife on a trek halfway up Mount Fuji, Japan, and has since run 13 marathons in five years and four triathlons in the past two years.

He is just one of the 8,000 torchbearers announced last week to carry the torch as it marks the start of the Olympic Games 2012.

Thomas Cook has selected 10 torchbearers they were chosen for their outstanding contribution within the business, inspiring those around them and their community.