Bent Primary teacher Aileen Neilson carries a torch for 2014 Olympic Games medal

PUPILS at Bent Primary School in Lesmahagow were hugely excited when they got a chance to get up close with the Paralympic Torch – thanks to school teacher Aileen Neilson.

By The Newsroom

Published 22nd Sep 2012, 18:00 BST

Aileen is taking a three year career break as a teacher at the school and has been busy training and competing in wheelchair curling.

Her aim is to be on the podium at the 2014 Winter Paralympic Games in Sochi, Russia

Having already won a bronze and silver medal at the World Championships, her next goal is to complete the set with a gold medal at the 2013 Worlds in Russia and at the Winter Paralympics a year later.

Aileen was also selected as a Torchbearer for this year’s Paralympic Torch relay before the Games kicked off.

For more on this story, pick up a copy of this week’s Carluke and Lanark Gazette which is in the shops now.

Russia