AN application has been submitted to the Charities Commission for The Baton to become a registered charity.

AN application has been submitted to the Charities Commission for The Baton to become a registered charity.

Alan Rowe MBE says raising money is not The Baton's primary aim. However, he accepts many people may want to support it with donations. In fact, generous Honitonians have already given money to the cause.

"Our aim is that donations received will be used to promote the message, the remainder being distributed to existing forces charities and causes allied to them," he said.

"Most importantly, I want people to become involved by carrying The Baton themselves and promoting the message in their own special way, without the pressure of having to raise money.

"It could be walking, riding, abseiling, canoeing, walking dogs, riding horses or hosting a Baton dinner party.

A beautifully crafted cradle for The Baton has been hand-made by Xavier Haines, of Oak Fields.

"All we ask is that, wherever The Baton goes, so do the flyers explaining what we are trying to achieve," said Mr Rowe.

Sponsors of The Baton include: Supacat, Royair, Oak Fields, Everys Solicitors, Alchemy Systems, The Farm and eastdevon.com