Hundreds lined the streets of Hereford to welcome the Queen’s Baton Relay as it visited the county.
This is a journey that brings together and celebrates communities across the Commonwealth during the build up to the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Children cheer on batonbearer, Emma Jones as she enters the Cathedral grounds fom Castle Street.
It started its journey through England on Monday starting at the Eden Project in Cornwall, before making its way through Devon, and Dorset.
It then visited Devizes, Bath, and Bristol before making its way to Hereford for Tuesday afternoon.
Running together and joining in the fun are members and runners from the Hereford & County Athletics Club, Hereford Couriers, Wye Valley Runners, Hereford Triathlon Club and Ledbury & District Harriers.
The afternoon started with an activity filled event for children on the Bishops’ Meadow including dance exercise, gymnastics and 5 a side football led by Hereford FC’s community project.
John Nash, Hereford FC community manager said: “It’s great for the club to be involved and to see so many kids getting an idea not only of what the Commonwealth Games means, but to try lots of different activities.”
The Hereford relay was officially opened with a speech from paratriathlete Andrew Lewis MBE.
Paralympic champion, Andy Lewis MBE speaks to the crowd outside Hereford's Cathedral.
The baton was then carried through the streets of Hereford with the crowds cheering on.
It was carried down King Street, Bridge Street and St Martin’s Street, before going through the King George V Playing fields, over the Victoria Footbridge and through Castle Green before making its way back to the Cathedral.
Batonbearer, Josie Pearson makes her way through Bishops Meadow with the Commonwealth games relay baton.
Paralympic athlete Josie Pearson MBE was one of the lucky few to carry the baton.
She said: “To have the Commonwealth Games close to us in Birmingham is exciting and events like this will help create a buzz.
“Hopefully, it will inspire the next generation of athletes.”
Herefordshire disability rights activist Cameron Wood also carried the baton down Bridge Street.
He said: “It’s amazing to be chosen to help spread the great message that the Commonwealth Games represents, and to be part of Hereford’s celebrations.”
Batonbearer, Mike Chandles with the Commonwealth games relay baton on Victoria Bridge.
Charity fundraiser and Hereford postman Mike Chandler took the baton over the Victoria Bridge and said how great it was to see so many people there,
He said: “What a joy it was to take part in. I think I got the plum draw going over the Victoria Bridge with everyone waiting and cheering at the other end.”
Batonbearer, Emma Jones returns the Commonwealth games relay baton to Hereford Cathedral.
Emma Jones, from Hereford Community Clean Up group finished the baton relay at the Cathedral.
She said: “It was a huge honour to be chosen to finish the Relay.
It was a great turn out from everyone, and I was welling up a bit at the end. It was just fantastic.”
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