A WIDOWER who carried the Olympic flame through the streets of Kingsbridge at the weekend said his torch, is a piece of history worth 'more than money can buy'.

Responding to news that fellow runners have been selling their torches on the internet auction site e-Bay, 50-year-old Jerry Gill said his Olympic torch symbolised the start of a new chapter in his life after losing his wife Sue to bowel cancer two years ago and moving into his new home.

Jerry, who lives at Cavanna Homes' Parish Green development in Lee Mill near Plymouth, was nominated by his sister Giovanna in recognition of his charity fundraising efforts.

The £215 cost of his torch was covered by the builder who have also sponsored a charity trek in Jersey next year.

Jerry, who ran with the Olympic flame through the crowded centre of Kingsbridge on Sunday before holding it aloft in the town's bandstand, said: 'The experience and the atmosphere were just incredible.

'For me the light symbolised a new beginning and an end to the dark times I've had since losing my wife.

'It's something I will never, ever do again, so the torch is worth more than money can buy.'

Jerry is now waiting for his official torch stand to be delivered in August when, he says, his torch will take pride of place in the living room of his new two bedroom home.

He added: 'It will certainly start a good conversation and it may even be useful lighting the barbecue!'