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THE eyes of the Commonwealth could be focused on Caernarfon this year which has emerged as a front runner to host the Queen’s Baton Relay.

Caernarfon, along with two other major Welsh towns, is in contention to host the event which is the Commonwealth Games’ equivalent of the passing of the Olympic torch across the globe.
If the town is selected, the relay is likely to take place on November 10-11, either on the revamped Maes, in Caernarfon Castle or at both locations.

The baton will pass through towns and cities in 71 countries eventually reaching the host city, New Delhi, India by October 2010 in time for the opening ceremony.
Wales will be the second country in the Commonwealth to host the baton as it makes its way from Buckingham Palace, across the four corners of the globe.

It is one of the biggest events on the sporting calendar and is held after every four years. The most recent games were held in Melbourne, Australia in 2006.
Caernarfon town council clerk Katherine Owen revealed the news to councillors at a meeting on Tuesday night, who unanimously supported the proposal to hold the ceremony in November.

She said: "If we are successful there will be no shortage of former Commonwealth Games competitors to carry the beacon, including Caernarfon weightlifter Ieuan Thomas."
It was important to stress that nothing had been finalised but if the town was picked then the eyes of the world would be turned to Caernarfon.