The Severn Valley Railway will be carrying the Queen’s Baton on July 23, as part of its 294-day global journey to reach the Commonwealth Games which open five days later in Birmingham.

The baton, which started its epic journey from the West Midlands last October and is taking in 72 countries, will be hauled from Kidderminster by the SVR’s purple and silver Bulleid ‘Pacific’ 70 Elizabeth II (fashioned from 34027 Taw Valley).

Free seats on the special service will be allocated in a ballot, as will viewing spaces at stations. When it reaches Bridgnorth, the baton will be taken around the town, including on the Cliff Railway. 

It coincides with the start of the SVR’s six-week ‘Summer of Sport’ season.