11:19AM, Sun Jun 17, 2012

Paul Collingwood Swings Olympic Torch Like A Cricket Bat In Durham

By Ruth Holliday Location: Durham

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Paul Collingwood delights the crowds in Durham. Picture from North News

All-rounder Paul Collingwood brandished the Olympic torch like a cricket bat as he carried it on the Durham leg of the relay route.

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The Ashes-winning Durham Cricket player turned the flame upside down and appeared to mime a cover drive for cheering crowds in front of the city's cathedral.

Collingwood, from Shotley Bridge, said he was thrilled to be asked and smiled throughout the run despite a broken bone in his right hand.

He said: "I am like a kid at Christmas. It's not ideal timing to break a bone in my right hand as I was going to carry it in that hand.

"It's going to be a great day, everyone has smiles on their faces - I certainly have a smile on mine.

"I feel really privileged. It's great to have my hands on the Olympic Torch.

"It's great to show off Durham and it's fantastic to have the choir playing, the cathedral and to walk through the Market Place. It really is a dream."