by Alan McGuinness

Jack Denness might still carry the Olympic Torch... after London Mayor Boris Johnson took up his case.

The Mayor of London said he would see if any “provisions can be made” to get the community stalwart a place in the Relay when it passes through the Towns on July 20.

Jack, 77, has raised more than £100,000 for charity by running ultra marathons across the world.

Boris Johnson said: "I don't know what can be done for Mr Denness at this late stage. But we should get on to Locog and see if we can find some role or other for people like him."

Mr Johnson was asked about Jack in the London Assembly yesterday.

It comes after a major appeal by our sister paper the Medway Messenger.

The 77-year-old of Canon Close, Rochester, said it was “nice he’s doing something for an ordinary person”.

He said: “I can’t see it happening myself, but it would be great.”

The Medway Messenger campaigned for months to get Jack a place in the Torch Relay, which will pass through the Towns on July 20.

He was inexplicably denied the chance to be a part of sporting history, despite his ultra marathons record and winning our 2011 Pride in Medway Awards.

Jack works as a caretaker at St William of Perth Primary School in Rochester. Pupils there were hoping to cheer Jack as he carried the flame.

The likes of Olympic gold medallist Duncan Goodhew and Jack’s MP Mark Reckless have supported our efforts.

Jack got his hands on the torch in March when he was invited up to Westminster by Mr Reckless.

Our campaign was spotted by The Independent newspaper, which featured Jack as part of their coverage of the Games.

A LOCOG spokesman said the organisation would look at his case if contacted by the Mayor.