The 16th official Queen's Baton Relay came through Kenilworth this morning (July 22).

Starting at the bottom of High Street, the baton was carried for around 200 metres by each of the batonbearers.

The relay took the baton into the grounds of Kenilworth Castle where residents were able to be photographed with it.

Batonbearers included local fundraisers, councillors and sporting stars.

The baton was carried from the bottom of High Street to the grounds of Kenilworth Castle (Image by James Smith)

The relay was started by Chris Luck who was nominated having donated one of his kidneys to a friend with Polycystic Kidney Disease.

Other batonbearers included world number six squash player Sarah-Jane Perry, double paralympic swimming champion Melanie Barratt and local councillor Cllr John Dearing.

Cllr Dearing said: "Through a career in university education, I've informed and educated many young people about the world about us.  

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"Since becoming a local councillor, I've tried to promote local community initiatives around climate change and the environment.  

"It's therefore a great honour to represent Warwick District Council as bearer of the Queen's baton in one of its final relay legs - in my home town."

Six different batonbearers were chosen for today's event (image by Richard Smith)

Girlguiding volunteer of 36 years Julie Atkins carried the baton down Castle Hill (image by Richard Smith)

Rotarian Iain Wilson and local Girlguiding volunteer Julie Atkins were also lucky enough to have been chosen.

The batonbearers were joined by a convoy of police and Birmingham 2022 officials.

And even though the relay made an early start in the town, the route was lined by lots of local people.

(image by Richard Smith)

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(image by Richard Smith)

Having visited Kenilworth this morning, the baton was taken on to Warwick Castle for an invite-only event, before heading to Whitnash for the second relay in the district.

This afternoon it will be taken further south into Stratford-on-Avon.

The baton visited North Warwickshire and Coventry yesterday (July 21)

(image by Richard Smith)

(image by Richard Smith)

Warwickshire's involvement in the Commonwealth Games does not end today though.

On Sunday, August 7 residents will be able to head to Warwick to watch the cycling road races take place.

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And the bowls and para bowls will be held in Leamington Spa.

Across the district there will also be a number of festival sites with big TV screens to show the sporting action.

Whilst 2,000 athletes will be housed just down the road at the University of Warwick.

(image by Richard Smith)

(image by Richard Smith)