THE Queen’s Commonwealth baton will pass through Basildon and Southend during its final journey to the summer games.

The baton is travelling to Birmingham in time for the beginning of the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

On Friday, July 8 the baton will pass through both Basildon and Southend, having travelled as far as the Caribbean, Africa and Australia.

"We are honoured to be part of the final journey of the Queen's Baton Relay, with phenomenal, inspiring residents representing our community as our baton bearers,” Basildon Council leader Andrew Baggott said.

Southend councillor Carole Mulroney, responsible for culture, tourism, environment and planning, said: “It is a huge honour for our great city to host part of the Queen’s Baton Relay and gives us the chance to showcase what Southend has to offer.

“We have a whole host of fantastic community-based events taking place on the day, with something for everyone and the whole family to enjoy, from interactive workshops, food and drink stalls, dance shows and much more.”

Since its inaugural appearance at the Cardiff 1958 Commonwealth Games, the Queen's Baton Relay has been a tradition for the games.

Thousands of baton bearers, nominated in recognition of their contributions to their communities, participate in the journey, travelling via land, air and sea, on a route spanning 2,500 miles.

During its time in Southend, the relay will visit the iconic pier, and will experience a Commonwealth “village” of themed activities.

As it passes through Basildon, school children will convene at Basildon Sporting Village, with a range of sporting activities held throughout the day to reflect the games.

Phil Batty, director of the Queen's Baton Relay, said: “The Queen’s Baton Relay is far more than just a journey. It symbolises connecting people from every corner of the Commonwealth, celebrates baton bearers who take on challenges, and marks the countdown the biggest sporting event in West Midlands history."

Held every four years, the games involve athletes from the Commonwealth of Nations.

This year’s event is set to kick off in Birmingham on July 28.