The search is on to find seven Dorset youngsters to help carry a message from the Queen to the Commonwealth Games in Manchester next year.

The runners, aged ten to 18, will be among 5,000 volunteers in 20 countries taking part in the baton relay.

But Mark Jenkins, who is organising a panel to select Dorset's magnificent seven, says they will not necessarily be leading athletes.

"They don't have to be super-duper runners but young people who for some reason deserve a place on the team," said Mr Jenkins, the Active Sports manager for Dorset.

"They will each have to run 500 yards. I want people to write to tell me why the individual they are nominating deserves to be selected."

The baton containing the Queen's message will leave Buckingham Palace on March 11 and will visit 20 countries before returning on June 6 to start a 50-day tour of the UK.

It will complete its journey on July 25 when it is read at the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony in

the Manchester City Stadium.

The youth runners will need to be ten or over on June 6, 2002 and under-18 on July 25.

Their nominators will also need to act quickly as the seven have to be chosen by the end of November.

Nominations should be posted to Mark Jenkins, Active Sports, East Dorset District Council, Furzehill, Wimborne BH21 4HN.