London 2012: Aidan Reynolds speaks of cauldron honour

A Shropshire javelin thrower who was chosen to light the cauldron in the London 2012 opening ceremony has spoken of what an honour it was.

Aidan Reynolds, 18, from Telford, was one of seven young people who took centre stage in the ceremony.

He said he realised what a big deal it was a few days beforehand when he saw all the speculation in the newspapers.

Aidan is now back to training six days a week and is waiting for his exam results.

The 18-year-old said that when he read about all the speculation it had hit him that it was an important role.

"It's just a massive honour," he said.

"For Sir Steve (Redgrave) and all the other elite athletes to pass on the honour to us, it's just phenomenal."

Aidan is hoping to go to Oxford University and is aiming to be at the Commonwealth games in 2014 and the Olympics in 2016.

"I want to get into that atmosphere again of the opening ceremony," he said.

"Obviously next time I want to be an athlete there."

Aidan, who has won three medals at English Schools, UK School Games and English championships, was nominated by long jumper and 1964 gold medallist Lynn Davies to light the Olympic cauldron.

His family had no idea of his role until they saw him on TV as he had been sworn to secrecy.

His mother, Teresa, said the family screamed at the TV when they realised.