CREWE-based Jane Whetnall MBE has been asked to help lead the Queen’s Baton Relay later this month.

The Team GB Special Olympics gymnastics coach has been chosen for the honour to recognise her 30 years of commitment to encouraging and training disabled athletes.

She now runs the Cheshire Academy of Integrated Sports and Arts on Broad Street in Crewe.

Jane said: "As someone who has coached disability sports for over three decades I am well aware the dedication and efforts that the athletes and their families have to make to get to the top of their sport.

“The Commonwelth Games will help inspire a whole new generation of athletes, both disabled and non disabled, to participate in sport. To be chosen to carry the Queens Baton for Cheshire East is a marvellous and wonderful honour which I will be proud to do."

Welcoming Jane’s appointment, the leader of Cheshire East Council, Michael Jones, said: “I think Jane is an outstanding choice and will be a fabulous ambassador to help lead the Queen’s Baton Relay.

“She really has put so much into sport for so many years, working with both disabled and able-bodied young people and delivered so many sporting achievements over the past 30 years.”

The baton relay takes place in Congleton on May 31. The action on the day is focused around Congleton Park, the leisure centre and Hankinson’s Field from 11am until 3pm.

People are urged to get there in plenty of time for the star of the Baton Relay procession at 12pm.

Tickets for the Queen’s Baton Relay event are now available by visiting: cheshireeast.gov.uk/queensbaton Alternatively, tickets are available at Congleton Leisure Centre, tourist information centre and library.

The programme will feature local schools, community groups and sports clubs as well as the popular Congleton Artisan Market.

There will also be a major procession, involving children from local schools as well as members of the Athlete Performance Academy Group.