EVERYONE at Burdon Grange Care Home in Highampton is throwing their support behind resident Hannah Lavell, who has made it through to the shortlist of nominees for Olympic torchbearers.

Hannah, 20, is a resident at the home who lives with cerebral palsy. In the two and a half years she has lived at Burdon Grange, she has worked at the British Red Cross charity shop in Torrington, completed an NVQ at Halwill Primary School and is now working toward her diploma.

Members of the public have been able to nominate the person they felt was most deserving of carrying the Olympic flame as it tours the UK.

Hannah was nominated to become a potential torch-bearer by the home's matron, Janice Sowden, who said: 'Hannah is selfless, articulate, and inspiring. She is as independent as possible, within her specially adapted wheelchair.

'Hannah attacks her disability in a positive and proactive way and glories in what she has and can achieve — refusing to dwell on the things that physically she is unable to do.

'Hannah is unable to weight bear and has limiting hand movement but has still managed to excel at her job and win over the hearts of the children she teaches. Her natural warmth and empathy have been more than enough to overcome her physical disability.

'She has also been a strong voice at our residents' meetings, been a hard working fundraiser for our residents' fund and has tackled every challenge or opportunity sent her way.

'Hannah loves all sports and has been looking forward to the Games coming to England. Practicalities would make it impossible for our residents to go to London.

'If Hannah was chosen as a torchbearer, it would be a fantastic honour and experience for her as an individual, which would be transferred to all her friends at the home, who would be delighted to share in her journey.'

The London 2012 organising committee has created a shortlist of 28,000 potential torch-bearers from all the nominations that came through the London 2012 'Moment to Shine' campaign.

The nominees will have around a one in 14 chance of becoming a torchbearer.