FAMILIES and friends of people with inspirational stories are being urged to nominate them to carry the Olympic torch when it visits North Yorkshire.

Selby MP Nigel Adams and Olympic gold medal winner Jonathan Edwards are appealing to people in the area to get involved by suggesting people who have gone above and beyond their personal best.

Mr Adams, who represents Selby and Ainsty in Parliament, met with the triple jumper and the organisers of next year’s event in London, to discuss bringing the flame to the town during its tour of North Yorkshire.

He said: “ There are so many inspirational stories to tell about people from across the Selby and Ainsty area that make a difference every day in our community.

“Nominating an individual to carry the Olympic flame is a unique way to shine a light on their story in a unique way. This is an opportunity to be part of a once-in-a-lifetime event, and I would urge everyone to think about the people, young and old, that we want to see carry the Olympic flame in 2012 and cast their nomination.”

Organisers need 8,000 inspirational torchbearers to carry the flame on its journey when it travels across the country next year on May 19, spending six days and travelling about 500 miles through Yorkshire, including one day in York on Tuesday, June 19.

New leader of City of York Council, James Alexander, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to put York and its citizens on the world stage, and we want to encourage as many people as possible to engage with that.”

Earlier this month, Mr Adams told The Press he was “very confident” the torch would visit Selby and Tadcaster as well as York, next year.

Nominations should be made at london2012.com/olympictorchrelay before Wednesday, June 29.