A cricket coach from Abbots Langley felt "privileged" to have taken part in the Queens Baton Relay on Monday.

Michael Rueth, of Follet Drive, was chosen for the relay which is currently travelling across Scotland in the countdown to the Commonwealth Games. The games are set to start in Glasgow on July 23.

The father-of-two ran with the baton in the former mining village of Gorebridge, just outside Dalkeith, which is on the outskirts of Edinburgh.

He said: "It was a fantastic experience I must admit.

"You suddenly find yourself holding the baton and you’re thinking ‘this is something that not many people will do.’ I felt privileged.

"Just to have run along with it and acknowledge the crowd, there was a great deal of pride - this is for the Queen." 

Michael was chosen for his work in the local community and in particular, at Abbots Langley Cricket Club, where he has been coaching for more than 6 years.

The 53 year-old, who works at Ford Credit, was selected by his company after an "off the cuff" remark by his supervisor about his work in the local community and "whether he had considered applying."

He then submitted an application about his involvement in sporting activities in south west Hertfordshire, which was then approved by Ford before being sent on to Commonwealth Games Scotland and the local authority where the runner will be participating for final approval.

Just one day after returning from Scotland, Mr Rueth will be back coaching the under 10s tonight at Abbots Langley Cricket Club, Gallows Hill Lane. 

The father-of-two is also qualified as a level two coach with the England Cricket Board and has coached across the district for the last three years. In addition to this, the coach has done sessions at Abbots Langley School, Tanners Wood JMI School and Breakspeare School.  

He added: "Everyone has been very supportive."

Last week, Michael told the Watford Observer: "My main focus is now brining on the youngsters and brining on their games."

The final carrier of the baton will present it to the Queen on July 23, where she will then declare the 2014 Commonwealth Games open.