The Queen's Baton Relay passed through Portland yesterday as it made its way to Birmingham for the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

The baton travelled through Portland starting from Lerret Road, before making its way between several baton bearers, including Olympian Hannah Mills, who relayed the baton onto the water where it travelled between boats and a windsurfer.

It then came back to land for the next leg of its journey to Poole, as it makes its way to Birmingham for the Commonwealth Games.

Dorset Echo: Karen Baylis was the first to run with the baton once it arrived nearly 30 minutes late at Portland due to traffic hold ups! Pic By Geoff Moore/Dorset Media Services

The baton bearers, each with inspiring backgrounds and stories, were nominated in recognition of their contributions to their local community, whether that be in sport, education, the arts, culture, or charity.

Olympic gold medallist for sailing and two time world champion Hannah Mills carried the baton on its last stretch before it took to the sea.

She said: "It was awesome, really cool. It is great to see everyone around for such a great celebration with such a great atmosphere."

Olympic windsurfer and baton bearer Tom Squires of Portland said: "I am proud to be a baton bearer, to come along today and do my little bit.

"It is such a great venue and it highlights the heritage of Weymouth and Portland, as well as the facilities we have here at the sailing academy."

Baton bearer Tim Kingman from Weymouth was nominated for his work running Weymouth Basketball Club for the last 45 years. He said: "I am ecstatic to be nominated, very surprised, but happy and proud nonetheless.

"It is amazing that this baton has travelled so far and I get to carry it locally and be part of the celebration of the Commonwealth Games."

Dorset Echo: Karen Baylis, right and the first baton runners. She was the first to run with the baton once it arrived nearly 30 minutes late at Portland due to traffic hold ups! Pic By Geoff Moore/Dorset Media Services

There are between 40 and 130 baton bearers who will carry the baton each day, and the relay will reach hundreds of villages, towns, and cities during its tour of the country.

Cllr Peter Roper, the Mayor of Portland, said: "It is a great honour for the baton to come to the island and royal manor of Portland and our renowned sailing academy."

Angus Campbell Lord-Lieutenant of Dorset said: "The baton relay is a terrific event, in Portland the Olympics has left such a legacy and facilities for athletes and local young people to use.

"Twenty-five more days to go before it returns to Birmingham after its trip around the commonwealth, bringing the world together."