A TEENAGER who fled war-torn Afghan-istan is to carry the Olympic Torch tomorrow.

Gulwali Passarlay, aged 17, who lives in Bolton, was determined to make the most of his new start after an astonishing journey to safety in the UK — travelling alone 7,150 miles, through 10 countries, aged just 12.

When he first arrived he could speak very little English, but since then he has worked hard at school and contributed to the community he lives in.

He is a youth councillor, member of Children in Care Council (Voice4U), Young Ambassador for Refugee and Asylum Seekers, Young Labour Representative and Bolton Youth International New Arrivals Representative. He has made a DVD and distributed this to all secondary schools and colleges in Bolton. Gulwali will be carrying the flame in Burnley.

He said: “I will start at 12.40pm and carry the flame in Manchester Road near Halstead Street to Healey Mount.

“This is an amazing and once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me, which otherwise I would never have in Afghanistan. I am very excited indeed.”