This was the moment Serena Blackburn made Horsforth and Otley proud as she carried the Paralympic flame through London.

The athlete, who won a bronze medal in the deaf Olympics three years ago at the age of 43, carried the torch past St Paul’s Cathedral.

Serena, who now lives in Otley, is originally from Horsforth and still runs with the Horsforth Harriers. She was born deaf and works with deaf children.

She advised any young deaf athletes to join a disability sports centre, such as John Charles in Leeds. She also advised joining a club, getting some experience and sending in their times to Deaf UK Athletics.

Serena, who stressed anyone can achieve their dream, described carrying the torch as “absolutely amazing”.

She said: “I had a magical time carrying the torch and the crowds loved it.”