THE Queen has sent her best wishes to fan Anita Atkinson as she puts her record-breaking collection of royal souvenirs on display in aid of charity.
Mrs Atkinson, who is in the Guinness Book of Records for having the largest collection of royal memorabilia, has joined forces with Asda Bishop Auckland, County Durham, over the holiday weekend.
The magistrate, from Fir Tree, near Crook, has taken over a shop inside the Newgate Centre Shopping centre, Bishop Auckland, to display her collection of royal souvenirs.
The collection includes more than 2,500 items from Queen Victoria's reign to the present day.
With the help of Helen Stott and John Bowman, who both work at Asda in the town, Mrs Atkinson spent most of yesterday setting out her prized possessions.
She said: "This is my contribution to the jubilee celebrations. There is no point in having a record-breaking collection if you don't share it with the community.''
Helen Stott, who helped to organise the event, said: "It is a wonderful collection.''
From tonight until June 8, people are invited to look around the collection and perhaps make a small donation. Money raised will go to the Multiple Sclerosis Society and the Great North-East Air Ambulance.
Both Mrs Atkinson and Mrs Stott were thrilled to receive a letter from Buckingham Palace.
It stated: "The Queen sends her best wishes to Mrs Atkinson and Mrs Stott for the success of the display.''
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