SAMANTHA Hunt emerged empty-handed when she applied for 2012 Olympic Games tickets - but she might instead play a key role in the run-up to the London sporting extravaganza.

The 21-year-old, from Caerleon, is among the first nominees chosen as a potential carrier of the Olympic Flame as it tours the UK.

Miss Hunt, studying primary education at Roehampton University, was nominated by mum Sarah, who was inspired to put her daughter's name forward after the youngster made good on a promise to donate half her £100,000 winnings from a recent successful appearance on television programme Deal or No Deal, to help build a school in Kenya.

"It's quite something to be nominated by my mum. I was on holiday in Gran Canaria when I found out, so it was a really nice surprise," said the former Caerleon comprehensive school pupil, who has visited Kenya with charity the Moving Mountains Trust.

"Charity means a lot to me, and after my sister Katie and dad Andy had been involved with Moving Mountains, I got involved."

Her successful Deal or No Deal gamble will bring down the timescale for the Kenya school project she is backing from 10 years to two.

"It means so much to be able to help out, and to be given the chance to carry the Olympic torch in reply is brilliant, so hopefully I can do it," said Miss Hunt.

A keen swimmer in her teens, Miss Hunt swam for the City of Newport team until she was 16 and after failing in the ticket application lottery, she is determined to not miss out on London 2012.

"After applying as a whole family we didn't get any tickets, which was a shame, so I even applied as a volunteer for the Aquatics Centre so I don't miss out.

"But if I was to carry the Olympic Torch, that would be even better."

  • To nominate yourself or someone else to be an Olympic torchbearer with Lloyds TSB, visit www.lloydstsb.com/carrytheflame. Nominations close on September 12.