The Queen's Baton Relay is coming to the Borough - here's all you need to know

The Queen's Baton Relay will be paying a visit to the Borough this month ahead of the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham later this summer.

The Relay has visited all 72 nations and territories in the Commonwealth and will be stopping at Tees Barrage next Thursday (July 14).

And the Baton will be travelling in style on a speed boat along the River Tees from the Barrage to the nearby Watersports Centre at around 11.45am.

Billingham resident Freya Cowie will be Batonbearer at the event, which is free for all to attend.

The 20-year-old, who has Down's Syndrome, has been chosen after raising thousands of pounds for charity dressed in her "Baby Dino" dinosaur costume.

Her Mum Lisa, who herself carried the Olympic Torch back in 2012, said: "Freya is really excited to have been selected and it has made her feel really important and special.

"As her parents, Lisa and Colin, we are really proud of Freya and humbled that out of all the nominations, our daughter was chosen. There are so many wonderful people doing amazing things throughout the country and Freya gets to be a part of that. 

"She really enjoys being 'Baby Dino' in Billingham and hopes people come to wave, smile and cheer her along."

The Mayor of Stockton-on-Tees, Councillor Ross Patterson, will also be at the event alongside children from Mill Lane Primary School and Tilery Primary School.

Councillor Steve Nelson, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council's Cabinet Member for Health, Leisure and Culture, said: "It's an honour to have been chosen to host the Queen's Baton Relay and this promises to be an exciting event, especially the speedboat element which will certainly be eye-catching for the crowd.

"Everyone is welcome, so please come along to the Barrage area if you're able to and show your support for this great event.

"I must also say a special well done to Freya, whose inspiring charity work as 'Baby Dino' certainly makes her a very worthy Batonbearer."

You can find out more on the Queen's Baton Relay by visiting the dedicated web page.

The Commonwealth Games starts on July 28 and will run until August 8.

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