TWO proud Pembrokeshire men will remarkably participate in the 2014 Commonwealth Games Queen’s Baton Relay for a second time when it arrives in St David’s next month.

Roy Stephens, 74, of Haverfordwest and Barry Webb, 77, of Tavernspite, Whitland, both recollect the day that they took part in the Queen's Baton Relay, which was first introduced at the Cardiff Games in 1958, which has been conducted as a prelude to every British Empire and Commonwealth Games ever since.

The pair first carried the baton 56 years ago and they are honoured to be asked to do it again in St David’s, as it heads towards Edinburgh, Scotland where this year’s Games will take place.

Stephens, who attended Haverfordwest Grammar School, was then aged 19, recalls the day that he first carried the baton through the county town: “It was exciting times,” he said. “I can’t remember who I received the baton off, but I ran from Withybush Hospital down to Salutation Square and handed over to Francis Williams, who was a pupil at Haverfordwest County Secondary Modern School - that is now known as Sir Thomas Picton.”

Stephens can’t recall why he was chosen: “I don’t know why I was picked,” added Stephens. “I played a lot of rugby for the school, ran the mile at the County Sports and also did a bit of boxing so it must have been for heavily being involved in a range of sports.”

Webb received the baton in the Eglwyswrw area back in 1958, but he can’t recall who handed him the baton or whom he handed it to. The baton route is a mystery but it did end up in Cardiff in time for the Games to get underway.

The Queen’s Baton Relay will visit St David’s on Wednesday, May 28.