A CWMBRAN girl who is battling a rare hip condition feels like a celebrity after she was a torchbearer in Pontypool.

Megan Jones, 12, who was born prematurely and weighed just 1lb 4oz, had the once in a life-time experience on May 25 when she got to carry the Olympic Torch on the relay leg between Blaenavon and Pontypool.

She said: "It was amazing. I want to do it again.

"I was nervous when I was on the bus travelling from Blaenavon with the other torchbearers, but it was really good fun and I loved it.

"The torch was a little bit heavy, and I could only spot my auntie and dad in the crowd.

"I know people had banners up for me, but I just didn't see them. I've never seen so many people.

"My outfit was massive when it arrived but it was altered for me, so was okay on the day.

"I was number 69 and passed the torch on to Eric who was number 70."

Organisers estimate that there were crowds of up to 12,000 in Torfaen to enjoy the spectacle.

Last month the Llantarnam Comprehensive pupil was told by doctors that she will need a hip replacement in her twenties.

Megan was diagnosed with perthes' disease at the at the age of seven, which left her confined to a wheelchair with her legs in plaster for two years after the condition made her hip bones crumble.

She was born as one of twins, but her sister Libby sadly died seven weeks later.

Megan's mum Rachael said: "Megan had to learn to re-walk, and has only been walking unaided for about eight months now.

"She's had a rough time, but being a torchbearer really boosted her confidence. It was a fantastic day.

"She thinks she's a little celebrity now.

"Megan is keeping the torch really safe as her dad (Tyrone) keeps teasing her about selling it on ebay."

Megan has also had countless blood transfusions, battled bronchitis and had a collapsed lung.

Her granddad Phillip Cogdell nominated Megan to carry the torch, and Rachael,32, who has two other children Kadee, ten and Bradley, seven said the bid left them delighted but seeing Megan carry the torch was even better.