A United Kingdom-wide baton relay to mark the Queen's Golden Jubilee will miss Malvern despite passing through near-neighbours Ledbury and Worcester.

The Queen's Jubilee Baton Relay, also being run to celebrate the 2002 Manchester Commonwealth Games, will pass through over 500 towns nationwide during 50 days in June and July.

On the 42nd day the route runs from Coventry to Hereford, via Stratford on Avon and Ledbury. The following day it runs from Hereford to Bromsgrove, via Leominster, Broadwas and Worcester.

Coun Barbara Williams, chairman of Malvern Hills District Council, said: "As the seat of a district council and where one of England's most famous composers, Elgar, comes from, I suppose it should go through Malvern and it's a disappointment it doesn't go through the town."

Organisers of the relay, sponsored by chocolate manufacturer Cadbury, said the route decided upon was heavily governed by its goal to cover 5,000 miles in the 50 days.

The aim is to bring the event to within an hour's drive of 95 per cent of the UK population.

"The organisers can't please everyone and it is a disappointment it doesn't go through the town but I guess we'll have to go to Broadwas to see the relay," said Coun Williams.

Herefordshire Council has launched a search to find suitable local runners to carry the baton as it travels through the county.

"It could be your next door neighbour, your school teacher or care worker, the local police officer, anyone who has made a difference to you," said council spokes-man Anne Williams

Anyone wishing to nominate a runner to carry the baton should phone the Games hotline on 0870 609 2002.