FROM athletes and 80s pop stars to radio DJs and Brownies, Renfrewshire's baton bearers proved a diverse and inspirational lot.

There was even an astronaut involved, although just as an invited guest at the evening finale in Paisley.

As the Queen's Baton Relay runners edged one more day closer to Glasgow, people filled high streets and village squares to cheer them on.

Yesterday's leg started in Howwood, and wound its way, in brilliant sunshine,through all 15 towns and villages across the county.

Scots actress and singer Clare Grogan spent time chatting to fans and well wishers in Johnstone before running into the town's Houstoun Square for her leg of the baton's journey.

"It was a lovely thing to be asked to do, I was really honoured," she beamed.

"Everyone gave me such a warm welcome, I just wanted to take them all with me, and keep on going, all the way to Glasgow."

Journalist and TV presenter Shereen Nanjiani took the baton to Erskine Mains Home, where she met army veterans and local families.

For Angela MacVicar, whose daughter Johanna died from leukaemia 10 years ago, carrying the baton through her home village of Bishopton was a bittersweet moment.

"It's a great honour, but I wish Johanna was here carrying it instead of me," she said.

Johanna wrote a diary for the Evening Times about her fight against bone marrow cancer and both she and her mother campaigned tirelessly to raise funds for the Anthony Nolan Trust.

Fellow baton bearer, Lochwinnoch man John Delaney lost his son to cancer in 2003 and since then, he has raised more than £400,000 for the Teenage Cancer Trust.

He has walked, run and cycled the length of Britain, scaled mountains and completed marathons to raise cash and his dedication has won him the support of the entire village, who turned out to cheer him along.

Newsagent David Woodrow's turn as baton bearer came right in the middle of Bishopton - which was entirely apt, as the 67-year-old grandfather has been at the heart of the community for many years.

Bill Ferguson was the oldest baton bearer of the day, nominated for his dedicated and selfless work in the community.

At 85, he continues to play an active part in local life, as vice chair of Glenburn Community Council and a board member of a local resource centre.

The youngest baton bearer was 12-year-old Lauren Collie, who was born with Down's Syndrome.