Abergavenny Cricket Club’s Andrew Jones and Abergavenny cycling stalwart Bill Owen are taking part as baton bearers for the Monmouth leg of the Queen’s Baton Relay at Monmouth School for Boys’ Sports Ground next Wednesday.

The baton is arriving at Monmouth at noon as part of its route through Wales ahead of next year’s Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.

The baton carries a message from the Queen, which will be read out at the opening ceremony in Australia in April 2018.

Former Monmouth School for Boys pupil Lewis Oliva, who is a member of the British cycling squad, will be among the baton bearers at the special event in the town.

Dr Andrew Daniel, Headmaster of Monmouth School for Boys, said, “I am tremendously proud that Haberdashers’ Monmouth Schools have been chosen as a hosting point on the Queen’s Baton Relay.

“Many of our past pupils have competed at Olympic and Commonwealth level in a variety of sports such as cycling, fencing, rowing, swimming and equestrian.

“The Queen’s Baton Relay is a fantastic opportunity for us to put Monmouthshire firmly on the sporting map and inspire the next generation of stars ahead of the next Commonwealth Games.”

After leaving Monmouth at 1pm, the baton will then travel to the Royal Mint in Llantrisant before ending the day in Pontypridd.

Dr Daniel added, “The school has always recognised the importance of sport and continues to make a significant contribution in delivering sporting excellence across the generations.”