More than 100 delighted locals have been given the good news that they’ll get their chance of Commonwealth glory on Wednesday, July 17 this year, when they will carry the torch through their town.

Among those taking part in the Renfrewshire leg are postman and basketball coach Robert Taft, Lesley Compston, from Linwood Active, John Delaney, from Lochwinnoch, who has raised thousands for the Teenage Cancer Trust after losing his own son to the disease, school pupil Jonathan Bellshaw and Ellen Forrest, a jog leader with Elderslie Jogging Buddies.

As well as the community bearers, one pupil from every secondary school in the area has also been picked to take part.

Over the coming weeks more names will be revealed by the team at Commonwealth Games 2014.

Councillor Jim Harte, convener of Renfrewshire sport, leisure and culture policy board, said: “Carrying the Queen’s Baton will be an unforgettable day for those lucky enough to be given the honour.

“We already knew Renfrewshire has loads of extraordinary individuals and grassroots sporting champions and I am delighted so many of them have been recognised in this way.

“Renfrewshire has a unique role as the Gateway to the Games and we look forward to welcoming the relay on Thursday, July 17 – I am sure it will be a day to remember for the whole community.

“Every one of Renfrewshire’s 15 communities will have the chance to share in the occasion and I am sure the events due to take place will make it a day to remember.” The baton will be in Renfrewshire all day and will visit every one of the 15 towns and villages in the area that day.

Up to 4,000 batonbearers from all 32 local authorities will join the relay in more than 400 communities for 40 days, in what is the most engaging relay the nation has ever seen.

For the first time in the history of any relay, all 545 secondary schools in Scotland were invited to nominate a pupil to participate as a batonbearer.

Renfrewshire Council will be co-ordinating a festival of fun to mark the day, with a series of local events to welcome the baton on its way around the area.

The local route is as follows – Howwood, Lochwinnoch, Kilbarchan, Johnstone, Elderslie, Linwood, Brookfield, Bridge of Weir, Houston, Langbank, Bishopton, Erskine, Inchinnan, Renfrew and Paisley.

Community baton bearers have been selected by independent panels, which have considered people’s achievements against the odds, their mentoring of young people, contributions to community and youth sport and those who make a difference through volunteering and community support.

David Grevemberg, chief executive of Glasgow 2014, said: “We want to congratulate those batonbearers who will be carrying the Queen’s Baton across its 40-day journey through Scotland. We’ve been overwhelmed and humbled by the hard work, courage and perseverance of so many inspiring people.” “The Queen’s Baton Relay is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for communities to celebrate everything that’s great about Scotland, and thank the extraordinary batonbearers who selflessly make a positive difference to the lives of others.”