Young carer Jed Pearson, 13, had his moment of Olympic torch glory in East Grinstead yesterday.

The Sittingbourne Community College pupil was nominated to be a torchbearer by his late grandad Roger Fenner for the caring he does for his mother Claire, who has health problems.

Jed, who lives in Bicknor, was watched by his mum, dad Steve, brother Jake and other family members, who lined the route.

Claire said: “It was all a bit overwhelming. The moment with the torch was over so quickly, it was hard to take it all in.

“People were chanting ‘Jed, Jed, Jed’ as he came up the hill.

“Even people that couldn’t be there had a chance to see it. His friends watched it live on a computer at school.”

It was an emotional day, added Claire. “My mum was there and we did have a few tears. My dad would have been very proud.”

Jed was due to be at Leeds Castle yesterday for an Olympic Torch Relay Concert and will join other torchbearers for the KM Maidstone Mile today.