A WORKER at the Asda supermarket in Thornaby is to be one of 5,000 people to run for the UK in the Queen's jubilee baton relay, which starts the XVII Manchester Commonwealth Games.

Olga Hodgman, 50, was unanimously nominated by her colleagues to carry the baton because of her strength of character and the work that she has done to raise money for charity.

Mrs Hodgman, who has worked for Asda for 20 years, was diagnosed with breast cancer five years ago, but is now in the clear.

She spends much of her spare time fundraising and helping in the community.

Last year, she helped to raise more than £1,500 for the Tickled Pink charity, as well as more than £350 for a 14-year-old boy at Westlands special needs school, in the town, to go on a skiing holiday with friends.

Vicki Vandenbiggelaar, store manager, said yesterday: "Olga is a remarkable person. Her dedication to helping others is an inspiration to us all.

"We are very proud that she will be representing the store."