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Queen's Baton Relay reaches Teesside and County Durham

Getty Images Aimee Willmott Booker takes part in the Queen's Baton Relay as it visits MiddlesbroughGetty Images
Former swimmer Aimee Willmott Booker was cheered on as the Queen's Baton Relay visited Middlesbrough

The Queen's Baton Relay has been making its way through Teesside and County Durham ahead of this summer's Commonwealth Games.

The North East leg of its 25-day journey across England got under way at Saltburn Pier.

It then headed through Redcar, Middlesbrough, Stockton, Darlington, was rowed up the River Wear to Durham, with the route ending in Sunderland.

The games will open in Birmingham on 28 July.

Friday's relay, taking in South Tyneside to Northumberland, marks the half-way point of the baton's journey around England. It will officially end at the opening ceremony.

Getty Images Philip Holbrook takes part in the Queen's Baton Relay as it visits SaltburnGetty Images
Philip Holbrook was another of the baton bearers at Saltburn

Philip Holbrook was the first baton bearer in Saltburn. He was nominated after raising more than £50,000 for Alice House Hospice in Hartlepool.

He told BBC Radio Tees he was delighted to take part, saying: "The baton has been all around the world to the different Commonwealth countries. It's a pleasure and honour to be involved."

Getty Images Johana Atkinson carries the Queen's baton at RedcarGetty Images
Olympian Johanna Atkinson was on familiar ground along the seafront at Redcar

Johanna Atkinson, who competed in the Olympics in the race walking event and won gold at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in India, said it was "the most nervous" she had ever been.

"The games hold a really special place in my heart so to be chosen to carry the baton in my home town was amazing," she said.

"I used to train up and down here. I've done many miles up and down the Coast Road so it's very special for me to be here."

Getty Images Baton bearer Jason Watkin travels by speed boat as he carries the baton on a visit to the River Tees Watersports CentreGetty Images
Jason Watkin arrived by speed boat as he carried the baton at the River Tees Watersports Centre in Stockton
Getty Images Freya Cowie carries the baton in Stockton as she is cheered by onlookersGetty Images
Youngsters gave Freya Cowie a rousing reception in Stockton

South Shields will get Friday's relay events under way followed by Whitley Bay, Gateshead, Newcastle, Blyth and Alnwick.

The baton began its journey across 71 Commonwealth countries and territories last October. It has taken in Europe, Africa, Asia, Oceania, the Caribbean and the Americas.

Getty Images Schoolchildren lining the street wave Union flags as the relay reaches MiddlesbroughGetty Images
Youngsters also lined the streets in Middlesbrough, waving flags as the relay passed
Getty Images Tony Wedlake takes part in the Queen's Baton Relay as it visits MiddlesbroughGetty Images
Middlesbrough's famous Transporter Bridge provided the backdrop for Tony Wedlake
Getty Images Cameron Stewart holds the baton in Darlington as a BMX rider performs a stunt in the backgroundGetty Images
Cameron Stewart took possession of the baton in Darlington as a BMX rider performed stunts in the background
Getty Images Jessica Eddie with the Queen's BatoGetty Images
Olympian Jessica Eddie rowed up the River Wear to pass on the baton in Durham
Getty Images Youngsters in Durham view baton relayGetty Images
Local schoolchildren cheered on its arrival at Durham Racecourse
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