Laura Banks said she was ‘absolutely shocked’ at being picked to be part of the Queen’s Baton Relay as it parades its way through the streets of Dumbarton and the Vale.

Sports stars and ambassadors from across the region found out their fate last month after a nervous wait after being nominated for the honour. Now Laura can’t wait for the opportunity.

The 33-year-old told the Reporter: “I didn’t think I would have been selected and I’m really looking forward to it. To be honest, I’m already a bit nervous.

“I don’t know an awful lot about it yet and I don’t know the route or anything like that.” The ‘community champions’ will take part in the tour in July when it comes to the area as part of a worldwide relay.

Laura was put forward for the honour by her husband Stewart, who, unbeknown to her, had circulated her nomination amongst friends and family and asked them to put her forward too.

Laura is very active in the community and runs a local baby and toddler group, which attracts mothers and fathers from all over the area to come, relax and enjoy the company of other parents.

She has shown her strength of character to return to singing with two local choirs after overcoming her battle with thyroid cancer and corrective knee surgery.

She told us: “I will be really nervous on the day — I’m quite clumsy, so I hope I don’t do anything daft like fall over.

“I’m just hoping a lot of people come out and support it as it’s going to be a great occasion. I took the kids up to watch the Olympic Torch when it came past and it was a real spectacle and carnival atmosphere.

“It was a once in a lifetime opportunity probably and I’m delighted we got to be part of it.

“I hope the Commonwealth Games organisers can put on something similar and this is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity.” The baton will be carried through Dumbarton, Renton, Alexandria, Balloch, Jamestown, Bonhill and Milton on July 18. That will see a representative from each of the high schools in the area.

For the first time in the history of the relay, all secondary schools in Scotland were invited to nominate a pupil to participate as a baton bearer.

The baton will come to the UK in May, touching down on home soil in Jersey before moving onto Guernsey, the Isle of Man, Northern Ireland, Wales, England and then Scotland.

People from all 32 local authorities will join in the relay, which is covering 400 communities over 40 days in the UK.

Laura added: “I think the kids are excited. Hayden is nine and a bit too cool for school just now, but I think he’ll be over the moon on the day. Nyah, six, was telling all her friends about it at her Rainbow group and she is very excited.” Other baton bearers from the area include Elizabeth Ruine, Maxine Smith, James Gallagher and Francis Duffie.