Commonwealth Games: Queen's Baton Relay route announced

The baton relay made its way through Papua New Guinea in November

The route of the England leg of the Queen's Baton Relay leading up to the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow has been revealed.

Beginning in Manchester on 31 May, the relay will take in cities including Birmingham, Oxford and Hull before concluding in Northumberland.

Dame Kelly Holmes said the tour was a chance for the public to show their support for Team England.

The baton is currently in Africa as it tours 70 nations and territories.

Its journey through England is the final leg before it arrives in Scotland ahead of the Games, which start on 23 July.

Holmes said: "The Manchester 2002 Games brought the country together and winning gold in front of them was amazing.

"I'm urging the English public to back the team this summer."

The relay was launched by the Queen, in her role as head of the Commonwealth, at Buckingham Palace last year.

Her Majesty placed a message inside the baton before it set off on its journey.

The public will be able to take part in activities based on the sports included in the games.

At each event, there will be a small number of baton bearers, chosen for their contribution to sport in the local community.

The baton bearers will be confirmed shortly.

The first Queen's Baton Relay took place before the Cardiff games in 1958.

The relay through England will end at Alnwick Castle in Northumberland