He spends most days crunching numbers in a suit and tie but next year, a Gillingham accountant will put on his trainers to carry the Olympic torch.

Flame-haired Phil Reynolds was given the London 2012 honour after he sent in a jokey 150-word message promising to "represent Britain's gingers".

"It will only be about 400 metres, but I'm very honoured," he said.

"I said I could be the first ginger person to carry the flame and my hair would make me stand out from the crowd."

Phil was picked over colleagues at Reeves and Co, based in Chatham Maritime, and has promised to bust the myths about accountants.

The 29-year-old raised more than £1,000 this summer when he and his colleagues leapt from a plane to raise money for children's hospice Demelza.

He said: "I've always said I want to change the perception of what accountants are deemed to be like. We're professionals but we can have fun, just like everyone else."

Phil, of The Chase, Gillingham, was offered the place through Lloyds TSB, which is sponsoring the London 2012 games and launched a campaign to find inspirational people earlier this year.

The 70-day relay will tour the length and breadth of the UK from Land's End to the Olympic stadium in Stratford, calling at Dover and Maidstone.

Managing partner at Reeves, Clive Stevens, said: "We are delighted Phil has been chosen. He deserves this chance for all his community and charitable efforts."