A SURPRISE treat was given to a West Devon woman celebrating her 50th birthday recently — to hold the baton for the Commonwealth games. Karen Burgess-Allen from Tavistock was whisked away on a surprise holiday to the Channel Island of Sark by her husband Steve, in celebration of the milestone anniversary. Karen said: 'The sun shone and the whole island offered up its breath-taking views of land and shore. 'But there was more to come, for unbeknown to us the Queen's Commonwealth Games Baton was due to visit the island. It would be carried by 16-year-old Catherine Doyle, the oldest pupil at Sark School and a keen runner.' Karen said the crowds cheered and clapped as Catherine made her way to the centre of the tiny island. 'For me, the day was to become a double celebration,' Karen said. 'I had just turned 50 and I was now being given the rare opportunity to hold the 2014 Commonwealth Baton, and this took place beside the Channel Islands' only gold post box — a legacy of 2012 Olympic gold medallist Carl Hester's role in Great Britain's dressage gold medal winning team.' l Karen is pictured holding the Commonwealth Games Baton with 16-year-old Catherine Doyle.