Special constable Jon Sayer was given the honour of carrying the flame to the gates of Buckingham Palace on the last full day of its epic journey around the UK.
Mr Sayer was handpicked for the leg by the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, as a reward for his commitment to scouting in his local community.
The 33-year-old, described as an inspirational helper who saved the life of a man who had jumped into a river swollen with rainwater last year, was chosen to take part in the relay after the Duchess asked for a fellow scout to participate in the high profile leg of the event.
The Duchess of Cambridge became a volunteer with the Scout Association in January.
Mr Sayer, from Todmorden, is one of three volunteers helping to carry the Olympic flame through the palace the day before the Queen officially opens the Games.
He will join torchbearers from Mountain Rescue England and Wales who will get to meet the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry, as well as 40 athletes from the Team GB Ambition Programme.
Jon said: “To get to carry the Olympic torch is fantastic.
“To be able to carry the flame and meet the Duchess of Cambridge, who is a volunteer in scouting herself, is absolutely incredible.”
Mr Sayer has been a scout volunteer for 16 years, working simultaneously with a cub scout pack and an explorer scout unit, as well as fellow volunteers through the training they undertake.
As well as volunteering in scouting, he has trained as a lifeguard.
While on duty on his birthday last August he rescued a man from the swollen River Calder near Key Sike Lane in Todmorden – a feat which was later rewarded with a special commendation.
He climbed down into the water, reached the man in danger and dragged him to safety.
Eyewitnesses believe that Jon’s swift actions saved the man’s life.
Jon’s friends and colleagues describe him as “loyal, dependable and trustworthy.”
He is one of more than 100 scout volunteers in the UK who have been given the opportunity to carry the Olympic torch.
