A BALLET prodigy flew home from Russia to carry the Olympic torch.

Daniel Dolan, aged 19, from Widnes, became the third British boy to train at Moscow’s Bolshoi Ballet Academy in 236 years.

He was only in the UK for 24 hours as he had to return to perform in a big gala celebration.

Daniel, of St Luke’s Crescent, said: “It is a great opportunity to come home and do something in my country. I am very honoured.”

He carried the flame through the streets of Bolton.

Daniel is now in his final year and is due to graduate next April.

He said: “I have been given four job offers but have turned them down because I want to finish what I started.

“It is very exciting. There are lots of options, staying in Russian or going to Europe or America.

“The best moment was the first day I rehearsed on the stage of the new Bolshoi Theatre, restored to its full glory.

“It was the most amazing experience of my life.”

Daniel, who speaks fluent Russian, has been chosen to teach American students at The Bolshoi Academy in New York in the summer.

“He said: “It is absolutely brilliant. It shows they appreciate I have taken on the Russian style of dancing.

“I am very honoured to be here. You get to do amazing things, visit amazing theatres and dance with people from all over the world doing something I love.”