A GWENT youngster battling a rare hip condition was selected to carry the Olympic torch.

Megan Jones, 12, who weighed just 1lb 4oz when she was born, will have the once-in-a-lifetime experience in Pontypool in May.

The news came in the same month the brave Llantarnam Comprehensive pupil was told by doctors she would have a hip replacement in her twenties.

The youngster was diagnosed with perthes disease 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 a twin, but her sister Libby sadly died seven weeks later.

Little Megan has also had countless blood tranfusions, battled bronchitis and a collapsed lung and her mum Rachael said it has been difficult for her daughter since she joined the Cwmbran school, as she is smaller than her fellow pupils. She also has regular physiotherapy.

After everything she has been through, her grandad Phillip Cogdell decided to nominate her to carry the Olympic torch, and Rachael, 32, who has two other children Kadee, 10 and Bradley, 6, said the successful bid left them delighted.

The Olympic torch decisions were made in March, the same month Megan and her family were told by her consultant at the Royal Gwent Hospital her hip had reformed properly.

Now she faces having it replaced as a young adult.

Mrs Jones added: "She's always been happy-go-lucky and doesn't let things get her down. Megan is excited and asking lots of questions about carrying the torch."

If you have been picked to carry the torch through Torfaen we want to hear from you, please ring Hayley Mills on 01633 7772278 or email pontypoolnews@freepressseries.co.uk