AT DAWN on Wednesday 24th July 2002, with the Commonwealth Games opening a day away, the Queen's Jubilee baton crossed the twinkling waters of Hollingworth Lake, to begin the final leg of an epic journey.

A tour of Britain - which by yesterday will have seen the much-photographed beacon carried by 5,000 runners through 500 towns over 50 days - touched down lakeside at 6.10am to a bleary-eyed but tumultuous welcome.

Earlier, a convoy of kayaks, sailboats and dinghies escorted the baton on a 10-minute journey aboard the motor boat, the Lady Alice. Taking part in the waterborne procession were members of Rochdale Sea Cadets, Hollingworth Lake Water Activity Centre and Hollingworth Lake Sailing and Rowing Clubs. Rochdale Music Service burst into tune as the sun began to shine and baton bearer Akhtar Hussein disembarked the flagship, beacon aloft.

He presented the baton to former Mayor of Rochdale, Councillor Irene Davidson, who made a brief speech to the massed crowds. Later, she said: "The people of the Pennines have done the area proud this morning. They were absolutely exceptional and helped to make this a truly memorable occasion. When we pulled into the jetty on board the Lady Alice I was amazed by the reception. Lake Bank was crammed with people. It was wonderful to see."

Next in line for the baton was Superbike legend Carl Fogarty, who is the most successful rider in the 11-year history of the World Superbike Championship. Pursued by cheering youngsters and a clutch of camera crews, Carl carried the baton around the quayside as youngsters from the Milnrow Morris Troupe danced by the water's edge. Wide-eyed children watched as he jumped onto his gleaming 160mph Superbike before roaring down to Rakewood with the baton safely tucked into his racing suit.

Minutes later he was back to hand the baton to the next runner who set off towards Smithy Bridge as smiling onlookers applauded and yelled their support.

Waiting to be handed the baton further down the line, was Harry Hawksworth, a stalwart of fund-raising society the Littleborough Lions for many years.

Paula Geary, from Summit, was one of the last runners to carry the baton before it crossed the border into Middleton.(From: www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk).