FOR most people the chance to hold the Olympic Torch is a once in a lifetime opportunity but for Assembly Member AM its becoming something of a habit!

In 1964 Mr Ashgar - known as Oscar - ran with the Olympic Torch in The Mall, Lahore, Pakistan prior to that year's Games in Tokyo and last week he had the pleasure of holding an Olympic Torch again at a reception in the National Assembly for a delegation from London 2012.

"It is a huge honour to hold the Olympic torch," he said. "The Olympic and Paralympic Games in London present a great opportunity to boost participation in sport in Wales at all levels and the Welsh Government must make the most of this chance.

"As a sports fan, I am looking forward to the Games in 2012 with as much excitement and enthusiasm as I did back in 1964."

Three local people have been chosen to be torchbearers when the Olympic flame comes through the area on May 25

Ray Morgan aged 31 from Usk, has been chosen as one of the torchbearers in Pontypool. Ray currently runs for Pontypool Running Club and raises a lot of money for various charities by running marathons around the UK and abroad. This is despite suffering from serious health problems associated with asthma as a small child.

Hazel Cave, the youth and children's worker at Raglan Baptist Church will be running as one of the Monmouth torchbearers.

She was chosen to be a torchbearer because of her fundraising efforts. Hazel was diagnosed with bilateral breast cancer at the beginning of August last year and underwent a course of chemotherapy. Hazel said: "I finished my chemotherapy in November and my radiotherapy on March 21 and I have always looked at Easter as my goal for finishing treatment. It's an honour to be taking part in this prestigious event."

Olivia Jones from Year 7 at Crickhowell High School is to carry the Olympic Torch in Abersychan.

After writing a letter saying why she thought she should be chosen, and then undergoing a further selection process within the school, Olivia was put forward and will run 300 metres with the torch.