Last updated at 13:03, Monday, 13 August 2012

In towns and cities around the UK, postboxes are being painted gold in recognition of Team GB’s Olympic champions.

But Cumbria’s postboxes remain red. They are blushing in shame at their failure to be the best.

The closest we have come to a celebration of Olympic glory is archer Alan Wills, from Frizington, who is being honoured this evening with a parade through the village of Lazonby, where his partner lives.

The village’s postbox will remain stubbornly red.

Perhaps Alan could fire an arrow through the slot to demonstrate his skill?

This was Alan’s second Olympics, after he represented his country in Beijing four years ago.

Two Olympic Games is an achievement in itself.

But even taking into account its sparse population, Cumbria does not fare well when it comes to participants in elite-level sport.

Training facilities and coaches gravitate towards big cities.

Young Cumbrians with talent also need parents with the desire and the means to transport them around the country to hone their craft with the best.

Congratulations to Britain’s medal winners and all who wowed the world with stunning performances.

And well done to the select few Cumbrians who took part in sport’s greatest showcase.

Perhaps Alan and his team-mates will inspire the next generation, and lead to a gold postbox or two in years to come.

First published at 11:25, Monday, 13 August 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk