WEARSIDERS turned out in their hundreds today to welcome the Queen in her Golden Jubilee year.

Sunderland was the first stop on a whirlwind national tour to mark Her Majesty's 50th year on the throne.

The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh arrived at the city's central railway station just after 10 am.

Cheering crowds lined the streets as the royal couple made their way to the Museum and Winter Gardens.

On her way in to the multi-million pound attraction, the Queen stopped to admire a selection of royal portraits by Echo readers and met the winner of our junior competition, David Lowther.

David, 14, said: "I was very nervous, but she was very nice. I thought she would have been a lot more formal than she was."

After unveiling a plaque to officially open the Winter Gardens, the Queen, dressed in an aquamarine coat and brown hat, went on a royal walkabout in Mowbray Park.

Margaret Angus, 67, from Lakeside Village, was one of about 3,500 Wearsiders lucky enough to get tickets to be in the park.

She said: "She was lovely. I really wanted to see her, and she was just what I expected."

Little Olivia Jayne Edmonds, 20 months, presented Her Majesty with a bouquet of chrysanthemums.

Her auntie Diane, from Fordfield Road, Ford Estate, wanted the youngster to carry on a family tradition.

"I saw the Queen when I was little, and I remember it was a big occasion for a little girl," she said.

Terry Boxall, 66, from Silksworth is an avid follower of the Royal Family.

"I spoke to the Queen, but the Duke of Edinburgh had more to say," he said.

"He asked me how I managed in my wheelchair and said he might be needing one soon.

"I've seen the Duke before, but it was a long time ago - about 30 years - and it was nice to see him up close this time.

"Without a shadow of a doubt it has been one of the most memorable days of my life."

Six-year-old Elizabeth Quinn, from Burdon Vale, was desperate to meet Her Majesty.

Her mum Tania, 32, said: "She really wanted to come and see her because they share the same name. She has been saying for months that she wanted to see the Queen.

"Elizabeth gave her some flowers and she thought she looked pretty." Crowds waved flags of red, white and blue as the Queen and the Duke of

Edinburgh took the royal car to Park Lane interchange. After officially opening the Metro extension, they boarded a train for Jarrow.

Robert Redpath and his mother Phyllis Stockall were among the Wearsiders who turned up to cheer them on.

Robert, 52, a gardener from Farringdon, said: "I though she looked a little pale actually, probably with all the carry-on."

Six-year-old Elizabeth Quinn, from Burdon Vale, was desperate to meet Her Majesty.

Her mum Tania, 32, said: "She really wanted to come to see her because they share the same name. She has been saying for months that she wanted to see the Queen.

"Elizabeth gave her some flowers and she thought she looked pretty."

Crowds waved flags of red, white and blue as the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh took the royal car to Park Lane interchange.

After officially opening the Metro extension, they boarded a train for Jarrow.

Robert Redpath and his mother Phyllis Stockall were among the Wearsiders who turned up to cheer them on.

Robert, 52, a gardener from Farringdon, said: "I thought she looked a little pale, probably with all the carry-on."

Phyllis added: "I love to see the Royals. I've seen a few of the others, but I hadn't seen the Queen before. I wanted to see her this time because it's such a big occasion."

Zarinda Hussain, 29, from Millfield, met the Queen during celebrations for the Silver Jubilee and was eager to catch a glimpse of her again.

"I was only five at the time. She asked our names and gave us special coins in little boxes."

Zarinda's six-year-old son Quasim was also looking forward to the visit.

"He's had his hair cut and is wearing new clothes," Zarinder added. "He kept asking me if he would get to meet her."