THE Queen's baton made a whirlwind visit to Stonehenge this morning, July 5.

The Queen’s Baton Relay is a Commonwealth Games tradition - aiming to celebrate, connect and excite communities across the Commonwealth in the build up to the games, which begins on July 28.

This sunrise visit kicked off the baton's trip through the south west.

Salisbury Journal: Salisbury's Sally Orange with the Queen's baton at Stonehenge this morning, July 5, as part of the Commonwealth Games relay - Picture from @EH_Stonehenge TwitterSalisbury's Sally Orange with the Queen's baton at Stonehenge this morning, July 5, as part of the Commonwealth Games relay - Picture from @EH_Stonehenge Twitter

Former Major Sally Orange, from Salisbury, was at the world famous English Heritage site to accept the baton.

As part of its journey across the country, Salisbury running group Sarum Sisters carried the baton in Bournemouth yesterday.

Salisbury Journal: Sarum Sisters accepted the baton in BournemouthSarum Sisters accepted the baton in Bournemouth

The relay started on October 7, 2021, with Her Majesty The Queen placing her message to the Commonwealth into the Baton, and will end in Cheltenham later this month.

With the baton entering Wiltshire, Richard Clewer, leader of the county council, said: “We are honoured that Wiltshire has welcomed the Queen’s Baton Relay and it has been great to see so many people come out and support the Batonbearers.

“Now we look forward to the start of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and would like to wish good luck to all of the local Wiltshire athletes who have worked hard to represent their country. We would like to wish you every success.”

Get more Salisbury news

You can also like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter and Instagram to stay up to date, as well as signing up for one of our newsletters.

If you want online news with fewer ads, unlimited access and reader rewards - plus a chance to support our local journalism - find out more about registering or a digital subscription.

Email newsdesk@salisburyjournal.co.uk with your comments, pictures, letters and news stories.