Queen's Baton arrives in champion swimmer Adam Peaty's hometown
- Published
The Queen's Baton Relay has arrived in champion swimmer Adam Peaty's hometown ahead of the Commonwealth Games.
The baton was carried through Uttoxeter in Staffordshire by baton bearers and will continue its journey around the county on Wednesday.
Peaty's former coach John Plant cheered from the sidelines and said he "wouldn't bet against" the three-time Olympic champion competing.
The 27-year-old is currently recovering from a broken foot.
"He's a really hard worker," Mr Plant said. "If anyone can overcome this injury, Adam will.
"We're still waiting for the final prognosis, but would you bet against him? I certainly wouldn't."
The baton arrived in Uttoxeter earlier, carried by baton bearers including Glyn Bennett, Victoria Bateman and David Palmer.
It passed the town's leisure centre where the Dove Valley swimming club is based.
"It's not every day that you get to have your picture taken with the Queen's Baton and I'm sure the members of Dove Valley Swimming Club enjoyed the opportunity," said Dan Mclean, from the leisure centre.
"We hope the baton relay inspires people of all ages to be active at this facility this summer and to enjoy watching the upcoming Commonwealth Games."
As it continued its journey around Staffordshire on Wednesday, the baton was carried across the 150-acre National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas.
It was also taken up the steps of the Armed Forces Memorial by the British Army's National Liaison Officer, Maj Naveed Muhammad MBE, who described it as "a tremendous honour".
Philippa Rawlinson, managing director of the arboretum, added: "Today's visit was an incredible moment for our visitors, volunteers and staff."
The baton was then set to move on to Lichfield and Chasewater as it heads to Birmingham in time for the opening ceremony next week.
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