Jubilee Baton Relay comes to Ealing

Eleven men and women will be carrying the hi-tech baton, which has already made its way around a huge host of countries and nations such as Canada, Africa and Asia, along a designated route through Ealing.

The baton will leave Leeds at 5.41am before travelling along the M1 motorway to London as it makes its way to its final destination of Manchester on July 25 for the opening ceremony of the XVII Commonwealth Games.

The relay team is expected to receive the baton at about 1.07pm at Hangar Lane on the A406 near Shell Service Station and will then be carried along Popes Lane, South Ealing Road and towards Hounslow.

People are being encouraged to line the relay route.

A spokesman for the Jubilee Baton Relay said: "It's an excellent opportunity for the people of Ealing to see history being made.

"The great thing about this is it will be happening around lunchtime so loads of people will be able to see the relay taking place.

"The baton's journey through the capital will enable London's communities to come out and line the relay route and cheer on relay runners and baton carriers and share the spirit of Manchester's Commonwealth Games."

By the end of its journey in Manchester the baton will have been carried by 5,000 individuals throughout the UK, with each runner carrying the baton up to 500 yards.

Included in the 5,000 will be athletes, community representatives, celebrities and a cross section of people from all walks of life.

Anyone wishing to line the route of the Jubilee Baton Relay are advised to take their place at least 15 minutes before the baton is due to reach that area.

July 11, 2002 10:00