ONE of the major highlights of this memorable year will be the Queen's Jubilee Baton Relay, which passed through the sunny streets of Bromsgrove last Thursday afternoon, writes Lisa Heritage.

The longest relay in history, which has been the traditional curtain-raiser to the Commonwealth Games since 1958, left Buckingham Palace on Monday, March 11.

It returned to the UK in June after travelling more than 60,000 miles across 23 Commonwealth countries. The baton is now six weeks into its 50-day tour of the UK and 5,000 British people have experienced the honour of carrying the aluminium baton, which contains the Queen's message to be read out at the XVII Commonwealth Games, which start in Manchester tomorrow (Thursday).

Six town residents were among those selected to take part in the prestigious procession.

They were nominated for either achieving a personal goal against the odds, improving the lives of others or for their contributions to the community.

One of the people selected to carry the baton was Chris Graham, a charity worker from Rubery.

Chris, a production worker at Cadbury's in Birmingham, ran from Bournville Lane into the factory just after 5pm last Thursday. The 49-year-old was nominated by his manager Phil Hollier for his fundraising work in the community.

This year he collected cash for Age Concern.

Chris, who lives in Rednal Hill Lane, said: "It was a grand day. Not only did I manage to raise money for my chosen charity but I also went to the Lord Mayor's reception in Birmingham in the afternoon."

Another member of the baton relay team was forty-six-year old Angela Aughwaine, of Birmingham Road, Bromsgrove. Angela said she was honoured to take part in the event, which finishes its international tour tomorrow.

The caring mum-of-two sons, who is a member of Lickey End First School's Parents Teachers Association in School Lane, said: "I felt very lucky to have been selected for the jubilee baton relay but was a little nervous. However, it was very well organised and the volunteers explained everything before we set off for the run. My legs aches now but I thoroughly enjoyed the day."