Runner-up in the British Open squash tournament, Laura Massaro, was joined by Team England cyclists Matt Crampton and Jess Varnish at the National Cycling Centre to welcome the arrival in Manchester of the Baton for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, before it made its trip around the city.

The honour of first Baton-bearer of the day was given to 17-year-old Valerie Zerbrokova from the British Cycling BMX Talent Team, as she cycled alongside Crampton and Varnish with Baton in hand.

The Baton was then handed to Ralph Aldred before 64-year-old Alan Boyle completed its duty at the velodrome.

The relay then took a quick trip to the Sportcity Wall of Fame, near the indoor athletics arena, which marks the medal winners from the 2002 Commonwealth Games held in Manchester.

John Gilmore, a 45-year-old football coach, then carried the Baton to the National Squash Centre where he handed it over to world squash champion Massaro.

John Gilmore carries the Queen's Baton at the National Squash Centre as the Glasgow 2014 Queen's Baton Relay starts its journey across England ©Glasgow 2014/Getty Images



After touring many of the venues used in the 2002 Commonwealth Games, the Baton made its way to Congleton where it was greeted by more than 10,000 people in a festival of sport at the Congleton Park and leisure centre.

Here, 800 metres gold medallist from the 1964 Toyko Olympic Games, Ann Brightwell, was joined by Jane Whetnall, co-founder of the Cheshire Academy of Integrated Sports and Arts in Crewe, as they paraded the Baton across the park to the cheers of the welcoming crowds.

Susan Moncrieff, who won a high jump silver in Manchester 12 years ago for Team England, joined the team at Congleton and has seen first-hand how the legacy of Manchester 2002 has had a positive effect on the area.

"Having held the Games in Manchester, the legacy in the city has been superb and today really shows that," said Moncrieff.

"Having thousands of people down to support it is amazing.

"Sport has really taken off in the area and that's all thanks to what happened 12 years ago."

Former England international Bryan Robson carries the Queen's Baton around the pitch at Old Trafford, home to his old club Manchester United ©Glasgow2014/Getty Images



The Baton was then taken by car to Old Trafford, home to Manchester United Football Club, where former Manchester United captain and England international Bryan Robson was given a guard of honour as he carried it around the pitch.

Its last stop was Manchester Central Library, where a civic reception was being held.

The Baton is set to continue its journey across England until June 13, before making its way to the Scottish capital on June 14 for the start of a 40-day trip which ends on July 23 at the Opening Ceremony of the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

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