A HUDDERSFIELD health professional has been chosen to be an Olympic torch bearer.

Director of public health at NHS Kirklees Dr Judith Hooper has been selected from thousands of NHS nominees to take part in the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay.

Last year, Samsung gave all UK NHS staff the opportunity to nominate a colleague for the once a lifetime opportunity.

It came as part of their global search for unsung heroes.

Dr Hooper, of Slaithwaite, was nominated by her public health colleagues based on her leadership and commitment to sport.

Her team said it was for the emphasis she has put on physical activity not just for the people of Kirklees but also NHS employees in the run up to the games.

Those who nominated her said: “At a time of great challenge for the NHS, Judith demonstrated commitment and enthusiasm to ensure Kirklees does all it can do to promote NHS challenge and to grow opportunities for staff to increase their activity levels.”

Another nominator wrote that she has: “helped them get involve in team games, relaxation, dance and activity classes before and after work.

“Staff have also commented on their improved sense of well being and morale.”

Dr Hooper, who moved to Kirklees health services in 1993 and took up the post as DPH in 2002, said: “I was so surprised to learn that I had been nominated and absolutely delighted and honoured to have been chosen to be one of the NHS torchbearers for this historic event.”

The 57-year-old continued: “I am really looking forward to taking part in what will be a once in a lifetime opportunity to be part of the Olympic Torch Relay.”

Despite her Kirklees roots, Dr Hooper will be running her 300 metre section of the relay in Kexborough in Barnsley on June 25.

The NHS representatives will be part of 8,000 torchbearers set to carry the Olympic flame across the UK.

The relay started in Land’s end on Saturday May 19, and today it was on its third day in Northern Ireland.

The flame’s journey will reach more than 1,000 cities, towns and villages in the UK with 95% of the population being within one hour’s distance of the historic event.

The flame will arrive at the Olympic Stadium in London on July 27, to mark the start of the Olympic Games.