Celebrity runners snub torch relay

As Sunday's London leg of the Olympic torch relay draws nearer, several top names are dropping out of the event, in protest at China's repression in Tibet. The BBC deputy director general Mark Byford has withdrawn from the relay, worried by the possibility that his participation could compromise the broadcaster's impartiality. Sports presenter Gabby Logan is also understood to have refused to take part - citing a clash with her radio show - although her husband Kenny Logan is participating.

Stand-up comedian Francesca Martinez (pictured), who suffers from cerebral palsy, told Channel 4 News that she would be withdrawing: "I was very honoured to represent the disabled community [but] I fully support the Tibetan cause." Britain's top badminton player Richard Vaughan has also bowed out.

High-profile names still in the relay include Sir Trevor McDonald, Dame Kelly Holmes, Vanessa Mae, Tim Henman – and Konnie Huq, the television presenter who said she was considering withdrawing and has now decided to carry on.