Hundreds line route as Queen's Baton Relay arrives in Grantham ahead of Commonwealth Games

Hundreds of people turned out in Wyndham Park in Grantham this morning to watch the start of the Queen's Baton Relay.

Roy Redman had the honour of carrying the beacon on the first leg of the route around the town centre, which is expected to last about half an hour.

He said afterwards that the moment had been "short but very sweet".

"It was a fantastic honour and you don't quite realise what an honour until you're here and you are experiencing the moment," said Roy.

"I really was part of something special holding a baton that's been around the commonwealth and is engraved with a message from the Queen, although I didn't stop to read it!"

Asked what it felt like to hold the baton, Roy said: "It was quite heavy but it was also the weight of knowing you're carrying something special I think."

Among the dignitaries at the beginning of the route were South Kesteven District Council leader Kelham Cooke, chairman Helen Crawford, mayor Graham Jeal and the minister for sport and the Commonwealth Games, Nigel Huddleston.

Also joining the group was Colin Thackery, best known for winning Britain's Got Talent, was also there dressed in his Chelsea Pensioner uniform.

He said it was "amazing" to be part of the day.

Mayor Graham Jeal added: "It's wonderful to see so many people in Grantham, especially schoolchildren, and what wonderful weather for the occasion as well."

Mr Huddleston said the day was not just about promoting the Commonwealth Games but also about sharing the inspirational stories of people such as Roy, who campaigns locally to make it easier for people to take up cycling.

"Thanks should go to the organisers locally because it logistically it is a huge challenge and it is wonderful to see what a fantastic job they have done of promoting today locally," Mr Huddleston added.