Stoke manager Tony Pulis is to be given the honour of carrying the Olympic torch later this week.

Pulis, thought to be the only top-flight manager to be given the honour, will be handed the torch as the nationwide relay leaves Stoke-on-Trent on Thursday.

Pulis, who will take up the flame as it leaves the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery in the city centre, said he was delighted at the honour.

"This is an historic event for the whole of Britain and it is an immensely proud feeling to be able to say that you are carrying the Olympic torch as part of that build-up," Pulis said.

"I am extremely honoured to be given the privilege of representing Stoke-on-Trent and to be among those offered this most prestigious of opportunities."

Mark Meredith, Stoke's cabinet member for economic development, said: "To have someone of Tony's calibre and close links to the city carrying the torch is superb news.

"Stoke City fans obviously hold him in extremely high regard and it would be great to see them all lining the route in the city centre on Thursday morning."