A SCHOOLGIRL from Darlington has been selected to carry the jubilee baton in the town as part of the opening ceremony for the Commonwealth Games.

Fifteen-year-old Andrea Jenkins was nominated to carry the baton by the head of PE at Branksome School, Anne Poynton, who knew of her commitment to voluntary work with disabled people in sport.

Andrea has worked with disabled people in regional, national and international athletics and swimming events since she was very young, after getting involved through her aunt, who is co-ordinator for Disability Sport England.

Andrea said: "I have done all the swimming galas for disabled people in Darlington, there are about three or four a year, for people whose disabilities range from learning disabilities, to blind people, deaf people and amputees.

"I get a buzz out of helping people, that's why I do it."

Andrea will be among 5,000 runners nationwide who will carry the baton across the country.

These include athletes, community representatives, celebrities and people from all walks of life, who will all carry the baton for up to 500 yards.

The baton relay will start at Buckingham Palace on Commonwealth Day, March 11, and be taken to 20 Commonwealth countries, returning to the UK in June.

It will then travel for 50 days through the UK to its final destination in Manchester, where it will be handed to the Queen, who will read the message it contains and open the Commonwealth Games.

Andrea is thrilled to have been nominated to take part in the event: "It feels really good to have been nominated.

" I'm excited about it and my mum and dad are dead proud and pleased for me."

She will be provided with a special kit to wear when she carries the baton in Darlington on July 10, which she will keep as a memento