The first local souvenirs are being launched in Northallerton, as part of the Queen's Golden Jubilee celebrations.

Local ceramics artist Jill Benson was commissioned by the town's jubilee committee to produce a commemorative dish.

And she has created a bowl featuring the emblem from the Battle of the Standard, which was fought outside the county town in 1138.

The chairman of the committee, Sally Anderson, said: "These dishes are a very distinctive way to mark the Queen's Golden Jubilee.

"It is wonderful to be able to promote a local artist in this way and to celebrate talent in our community.

"It shows that the jubilee is truly an opportunity to look forward as well as back."

The pieces are the first in a range of local commemorative products for the celebrations.

Others will include postcards and posters showing aerial shots of the town's High Street, which were provided by RAF Leeming.

About 5,000 leaflets detailing the programme of events in the town over the bank holiday weekend are to be distributed free to every home.

The itinerary includes a celebration market, a recreation of the High Street as it was 50 years ago, displays and competitions among other things.

The dishes are on sale at Lewis and Cooper on the High Street.