Merton’s community heroes will have their chance to run with an Olympic torch this weekend at an Olympic celebration.

Eight Merton residents have been invited to take part in the Wimbledon Guardian’s torch relay after we revealed not one person running in Merton’s official torch relay on July 23 was actually from the borough.

Both Haydon the Womble and former Olympic champion Ray Stevens were selected to be torchbearers but were told to run outside of the borough, while many other deserving residents were nominated, but not selected.

Our line-up includes two former Olympians, a 2016 Olympic hopeful, an 86-year old marathon runner and a former child of courage.

Come and support our torchbearers at an Olympic celebration and community fair at the Hub in Mitcham on July 28 from 11.30am.

The free event will also feature live music, football, cricket, rugby and basketball coaching for children and teenagers, street dancing, Zumba, an introduction to bowling for seniors as well as traditional games for children, a barbecue, licensed bar and giant screens to watch the Olympics.