TWO young girls whose close friendship was forged through the death of their mothers had a lovely surprise at the Queen's Jubilee Baton Relay.

Ten-year-olds Danielle Staley and Bethany Hobson had a special trip from school last Wednesday to meet one of the runners taking the baton into Consett.

And when runner John Cunningham heard their story he promised he would dedicate his leg of the run to the memory of the two girls' mothers.

"The girls were over the moon, their faces just lit up," said their class teacher Helen Lee. "I know John and you'll not find a nicer man than that. He's really made the girls' day. I've been giving the girls in my class help to look after them and I take them on trips and things. They're just a great pair and we love having them."

Miss Lee explained that Danielle's mother had died during an asthma attack three years ago and Bethany's mum died of cancer two years ago.

Both the girls are from the Delves Lane area, near Consett, and attend Delves Lane County Junior School.

Mr Cunningham said: "I was waiting to collect the baton when Helen came up with these two little lasses.

"I told them I would be thinking of their mothers all the way during my run and I did that. I was honoured to do so."

Mr Cunningham, of Stanley, was chosen to run from the village of Castleside into Consett during the 5,000 baton run. He was nominated by a number of individuals and organisations as a result of raising £680,000 for North-East children's charities over the past 26 years.

The baton relay also stopped off at Durham Trinity School for children with disabilities. Christopher Perkins, 11 and Dawn Pomphrett, 12, of the school were chosen to run 500 yards with the baton.

The relay is part of the Queen's Golden Jubilee celebrations and a special message, contained in the baton, will be read out when it reaches Manchester for the opening of the Commonwealth Games.