A village store owner who has transformed his community shop has been offered the chance to carry the Olympic flame next summer.

Steve Browse was nominated as a torchbearer by his wholesaler after the 42-year-old, who has been in the convenient shop trade for more than 15 years, made huge improvements to Bunwell Stores.

The father-of-three used to run a store in Norwich, near Silver Road, and in Poringland before he bought the shop in Bunwell, near Attleborough, four years ago.

Since he took it over, the store has undergone a major re-fit.

Mr Browse, who is married to Hannah, said: 'We bought this store and then sold the Norwich store.

'We decided to commit our future here and invested a large amount of money into a building refurbishment project.

'We've settled in quickly and have become part of the community. It's so different from the city, you know everyone more.'

The torch relay will start on May 19, with Mr Browse set to carry it on July 4.

The historic flame will reach the Olympic Stadium in Stratford for the opening ceremony on July 27.

More than 8,000 people will have carried the torch by that time.

Mr Browse added: 'When I first found out I was nominated, I thought 'okay' and didn't really realise what I was being offered.

'Now, I've realised the magnitude of it and I feel quite privileged. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.'

As recently reported, grandmother Ena Mallet, 78, from Ranworth, near South Walsham, has also been given a conditional offer to carry the Olympic torch.

Have you been offered the chance to carry the Olympic torch? Call reporter Kate Scotter on 01603 772326 or email kate.scotter@archant.co.uk.