NOMINATIONS are needed for people to take part in a national relay race which will visit Middlesbrough this summer.

The Queen's Jubilee Baton Relay will travel around the country for 50 days before arriving in Manchester in time for the opening ceremony of the XVII Commonwealth Games, on July 25.

People from all walks of life are needed to join in the race, but they need to sign up or be nominated before Friday, January 4.

Di Henry, director of the relay, said yesterday: "The Queen's Jubilee Baton Relay is unique and will grab the public's imagination. But time is running out for those who have not yet nominated anyone to carry the inspirational baton.

"Anyone who has made a difference to the life of someone else is a potential nominee: a brother, mother, grandfather, best friend, David Beckham, a work colleague. People can also nominate themselves."

The baton will reach Middlesbrough on Saturday, July 6. That evening, there will be an event in the town centre and the baton will leave the next morning, from the Captain Cook Birthplace Museum.

For a nomination form, call 0870 609 2002 or visit www.commonwealthgames.com