THE search is on in Darlington to find runners to take part in the Queen's jubilee baton relay next year.

The baton will reach Darlington on July 10 after starting its journey at Buckingham Palace on Commonwealth Day, March 11, travelling to 20 Commonwealth countries before returning to the UK in June.

The baton will then travel for 50 days throughout 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 Commonweath Games.

The baton will be carried by 5,000 individuals from around the UK, with each runner carrying the baton for up to 500 yards.

Runners will include not just athletes, but community representatives, celebrities and people from all walks of life.

Nominations are being sought from the local community to find jubilee runners who will carry the baton for Darlington.

People can nominate themselves or an individual who they feel has made a special contribution to their life or the lives of others.

All runners can complete their section of the relay at their own pace, and the organisers welcome nominations for disabled people.

The Mayor of Darlington, Councillor Isobel Hartley said: "It is a great honour for the town to be invited to take part in such an historic event. It is now up to local people to get thinking and to nominate who they feel is worthy to carry the baton in Darlington."

The deadline for nominations is January 4. Nominations can be made by visiting the Commonwealth Games website on www.commonwealthgames.com