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Queen's Baton Relay reaches Tyneside and Northumberland

Getty Images Michelle Weedy holds the baton at Souter LighthouseGetty Images
Michelle Weedy took the baton at Souter Lighthouse

The Queen's Baton Relay has reached Tyneside and Northumberland during a two-day tour of the North East ahead of the Commonwealth Games.

Crowds gathered at Souter Lighthouse in South Shields before the relay made its way to Whitley Bay, Blyth and Alnwick.

It also visited Gateshead's Angel of the North before ending the day on Newcastle Quayside.

The baton has been travelling across England ahead of the start of the games in Birmingham on 28 July.

It has now reached the halfway point of its journey around the UK.

Getty Images Angie Comerford runs with the baton along South Shields seafrontGetty Images
Despite rain, the pleasure park on South Shields seafront provided a colourful backdrop for batonbearer Angie Comerford
Getty Images Paralympian Stephen Miller and Paul Harris carry the baton at Whitley Bay with Spanish City in the backgroundGetty Images
Paralympian Stephen Miller and Paul Harris took the baton at Whitley Bay
Getty Images Onlookers wave flags at Whitley BayGetty Images
Onlookers lined the streets as the relay made its way through Whitley Bay
Getty Images Skateboarder Jakob Adams takes the baton in Whitley BayGetty Images
Jakob Adams showed off his skills at Whitley Bay Skate Park
Getty Images Jenny Thomas pictured with the baton at Alnwick GardensGetty Images
Once in Northumberland, Jenny Thomas was given the honour of carrying the baton at Alnwick Gardens

On Thursday, batonbearers were greeted by crowds at Saltburn Pier before whistle-stop visits through Redcar, Middlesbrough, Stockton and Darlington.

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.

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