Cheer on relay as it passes Tommy

Seaham’s magnificent Tommy statue will form the perfect backdrop as the Queen’s Baton Relay comes to County Durham.

The baton–which bears the Queen’s message to the Commonwealth – is touring the country ahead of this years’ Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

Baton bearers aged between 12 and 75 will be carrying the Baton when it visits County Durham today, travelling first through Durham City and then along Seaham seafront.

County council cabinet member for economy and partnerships Coun Elizabeth Scott said: "I'm sure plenty of people will want to cheer on our incredible community Baton bearers and I'd encourage members of the public to come along and experience the Relay.”

The Queen's Baton Relay will start at the top of Claypath in Durham City at 3pm, before heading into Market Place and then visiting Palace Green beside Durham Cathedral.

The Baton will then be carried back onto South Bailey and across Prebends Bridge. It will then go via the River Wear where the Baton will be taken by members of Durham Amateur Rowing Club – including 2016 Rio Olympics Women’ s Eight silver medal list Jessica Eddie-from theboat landing to The Racecourse.

After arriving at The Racecourse, the convoy will travel to Seaham.

The procession will start at North Terrace at 5.20 pm, heading past the Tommy statue before ending at Vane Tempest Car Park.

The baton will then make its way to Sunderland where it will be carried along the seafront from the University of Sunderland’s Reg Vardy campus to Cliffe Park.