by business editor Trevor Sturgess

Award-winning young entrepreneur Luke Quilter is to light the way to the Olympics.

Luke, 28, managing director of Folkestone-based Sleeping Giant Media, has been chosen as one of the hundreds of Kent torchbearers.

The rising business star came to countywide prominence last June when he was named Young Entrepreneur of the Year in last year’s Kent Excellence in Business Awards (KEiBA). He spoke at the launch of the 2012 KEiBA in January, saying how much the accolade had helped his business.

Luke will carry the flame through his home town of Hythe on July 18.Kent is set to host the torch for four days, from July 17-20, the longest duration for any other county on its way to the Olympic Stadium.

Mr Quilter was nominated for his efforts in the local business community. He is a board member of The Kent Foundation, which is supported by Kent County Council and well-wishers to help young people set up on their own. He founded Sleeping Giant Media, a specialist search marketing company, in the depths of the recession.

Luke said: "I feel really proud, firstly to be nominated but also to be selected for such an amazing event. It is going to be a busy week for me, as two days after carrying the torch I am getting married in Germany!"

An average of 115 Torchbearers a day will carry the Olympic Flame during its 8,000 mile journey around the UK before it arrives at the Olympic Stadium on July 27 for the opening ceremony.