THE Queen’s Baton Relay will come through Cradley Heath during the build up to the Birmingham 2022 Games.

Sandwell will officially welcome the baton on Monday July 25, when it will visit a number of key locations in the borough.

There will be 100 batonbearers running through the streets and parks of Sandwell, including some who will take on the mammoth uphill leg up Waterfall Lane in Cradley Heath.

The Queen’s Baton Relay will provide the opportunity for communities to experience the excitement for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, which will be held from July 28 until August 8 as part of an incredible summer of sport.

The new Sandwell Aquatics Centre in Smethwick will host the diving and swimming events.

The Birmingham 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay is currently travelling across the Commonwealth, in an epic 294-day journey that sees it visit all 72 nations and territories.

It aims to ignite hope, solidarity and collaboration; and share inspiring stories.

This summer it will return to the host nation for a tour of each region of England, travelling the length and breadth of the country for 29 days.

It will culminate in the host city of Birmingham, where it will take a central role in the opening ceremony on July 28.

Councillor Kerrie Carmichael, Leader of Sandwell Council, said: “I would encourage the people of Sandwell to welcome and support the arrival of the baton, and to be inspired by the backgrounds and stories of the batonbearers from across the Commonwealth and here in Sandwell.”

Blind Dave said: “To be part of the buzz and excitement of Birmingham 2022 as a batonbearer in the Queen’s Baton Relay is a great honour.

"To represent my community, to represent Sandwell on the world stage, that is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I would encourage everyone to get involved with the celebrations."