This was the moment five lucky people from Redbridge set off for their starting positions at the Paralympic torch relay this morning.

All five are members of the Golden Years Dance Troup and will carry the torch in Southwark this afternoon.

Joan Sheridan, 75, of Brunswick Gardens, Newbury Park, speaking before the relay said: “I’m excited about being a Paralympic torchbearer. I just wanted to be so involved with it.”

Kathleen Barclay, 73, of Bedford Road, Ilford and Saraswathee Apoolingum, 67 of Gants Hill will be taking up the torch from Jamaica Road, Southwark.

Chitra De Silva, 73 and Clarence Barber, 71, both of Newbury Park, will also be running. They were chosen from many public nominations.

On the Paralympics website it said the group was nominated for their dedication and for being an inspiration to young people.

It said; “They are willing to try anything once and are truly unique, they are passionate about the Games and an inspiration to the younger generation.”