Kent will host a leg of the Queen's Baton Relay this summer to celebrate the start of the Commonwealth Games.

The relay will visit the county on Thursday, June 5 to mark the run-up to the showpiece athletics event, which starts in Glasgow in July.

But unlike the Olympic Torch relay of 2012, baton holders will not run through the streets.

Instead, they will just visit certain locations - specifically schools - though destinations have not been determined yet.

Organisers hope locals will turn out in force and show their support for Team England, who will take on countries from across the commonwealth in various track and field events.

They will put on a number of events around the relay's arrival to celebrate sport and rouse support for Team England.

Mike Hill, KCC's Cabinet Member for Community Services said: “I am delighted that Kent was selected to host the Queen’s Baton Relay. This is a great opportunity to show our support for Team England, and to continue to use sport to inspire young people across our county.

"We are particularly delighted that the Baton will be visiting a number of our schools across the county, highlighting some of their programmes linking Olympic legacy with the forthcoming Glasgow Commonwealth Games.”

Before it hits Kent, the relay will have visited 68 different nations and territories, covering almost a third of the world’s population.

At each event, there will be a small number of baton bearers, specially chosen for their contribution to sport in the local community.

Double Olympic gold medalist Kelly Holmes, from Tonbridge, is pleased the baton is visiting her home county.

She said: “Kent has a huge sporting tradition and I know that public here will support the English athletes at the Games in July".

"The QBR is a great chance to send your backing to the Team in Glasgow.”

More information about the baton bearers and their journey will be announced in the spring.