The search is on for Basingstoke's unsung heroes to carry the baton and play their part in celebrating the Queen's Jubilee next year. Prince Edward will today announce that a relay to carry a Jubilee Baton around the United Kingdom will pass through Basingstoke on its way to the Commonwealth Games, which take place in Manchester next July. Communities across the Kingdom will have the opportunity to nominate everyday heroes to carry the baton - which is where Gazette readers will play their part. Do you know of unsung heroes who have made valuable contributions to the community, or people who have achieved a personal goal against all the odds? Di Henry, director of the relay, said: "We are looking for people who have accomplished acts of generosity, made special contributions or achievements that have furthered their life or the lives of others." Jubilee runners do not have to be athletic, they can jog or walk with the baton, and organisers are welcoming nominations of people with disabilities. "Just as athletes inspire us by their achievements on the sporting field, the Jubilee runners will inspire us by their acts of kindness and contributions to the lives of others," said Ms Henry. Nominees must be UK residents and be at least 10-years-old by June 6, 2002, when the relay begins its 50-day journey around the United Kingdom.. The runners will carry the Queen's Baton, containing a message from the Queen, through England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, The Channel Islands and the Isle of Man in the countdown to the opening ceremony of the games, when the THE search is on for Basingstoke's unsung heroes to carry the baton and play Queen will read her message to the Commonwealth nations. People can nominate themselves, a friend, relative or someone from their community by explaining, in 80 words or less, why the person should be selected. Nominations must be made on offcial forms, which are available from the Manchester 2002 website at www.commonwealthgames.com or by calling the Commonwealth Games Information Phone Line on 0870 609 2002. Large print, audio and braille forms are available from 0870 241 7372. The deadline for nominations to be received is 5pm on January 4, 2002. Nominations will be selected by regional judging panels supervised by the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme and those selected will be announced in February. The scheme has received an enthusiastic welcome in Basingstoke where the Mayor, Cllr Rose Wellman, said: "It's a good idea to honour people who have worked for the community." Council leader Rob Donnelly said it was a marvelous way of getting people to join in a nationwide celebration and recognising unsung members of the community. Are you nominating an unsung hero? If so, let the newsdesk know on 01256 337444