TWO lucky youngsters are celebrating their birthdays in style today – after being selected to take part in an Olympic torch relay party next year.

Colin Williams and Daniel Lawrence – who are seven today – have been chosen to be part of the event at Hanley Park as part of the 2012 celebrations.

They have been choosen through the London 2012 Children's Promise scheme because they were born on the day the Olympic bid was submitted in 2004.

Colin grew up in Abbey Hulton and now lives in Birmingham.

Mum Kayleigh Williams, aged 25, said: "I found out about the scheme when Colin was still in nursery at Carmountside and the headmaster sent a letter out because Colin's birthday matched up.

"I am so happy that he is taking part, because it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity

"He has enjoyed meeting Daniel and we are saving all the newspaper cuttings for him to look back on one day."

Colin and Daniel will feature in a stage show at Hanley Park on Wednesday, May 30 next year to mark the Olympic flame's arrival in Stoke-on-Trent.

Colin's grandmother Maureen Williams, aged 57, who is a care support worker from Greasley Road, Abbey Hulton, said: "This is very exciting for Colin.

"We really don't know what he's going to be doing yet but it is such a brilliant thing to be a part of."

Colin said: "I'm really excited about my birthday and my presents but I am also excited to take part in this party as well."

Exact details for the Hanley Park party are still being finalised by the city council. But it is understood that the final torch bearer of the day will arrive at Hanley Park and run onto the stage as a giant cauldron is lit to mark the occasion.

Daniel's mum Claire, aged 37, of Meir, said: "We found out in 2004 that something was available for the Olympics and we applied for it straight away.

"I'm not sure that Daniel understands exactly what is going on but he enjoys these days where he meets up with the other kids and gets his photo taken.

"We have already received a birthday card through the door from the Olympic organisers signed by Seb Coe and the team, so it is great that he feels such a part of this big event."

Daniel, aged six, added: "I think the party will be fun and I am looking forward to the stage show on the night."

The two boys share their birthday with more than 700 children from across the UK who are registered on the London 2012 Children's Promise scheme.

Councillor Mark Meredith, cabinet member for economic development, said: "Having Hanley Park as the location for next year's torch relay evening celebration is fantastic news.

"The park has proven extremely popular in the past with our 2010 and 2011 live concerts and allows us to open up the show to huge numbers of people."

After an overnight stop in the city, the torch will then be paraded through Hanley, Cobridge, Middleport and Burslem.

It will then head to Crewe and Congleton.