TWO sisters, whose mother lost her battle against cancer two days before the death of the Queen Mother, have been chosen for a royal honour they will always treasure.

Rebecca and Harriet Ashley, aged eight and four, have been selected as the joint winners of The Northern Echo's search to find a child to present a bouquet of flowers to the Queen when she visits Darlington on Wednesday.

Jane Ashley, 37, described by husband Paul as a "devoted housewife and mother", was originally diagnosed with breast cancer in March 2001.

She battled throughout 2001, and her health improved enough in the New Year for the family to enjoy a trip to Disneyland Paris.

But at the end of the month, the devastating news came that the cancer had spread to her brain.

Mr Ashley, 42, of Elton Road, Darlington, who works at Simon Bailes motor dealership in Northallerton, North Yorkshire, said: "They gave her about six months to live and she lasted a month."

When The Northern Echo joined forces with Darlington Borough Council and asked readers to write in nominating a child to make Wednesday's presentation, family friend Alison Hardy suggested the sisters.

She wrote: "Their mummy died just two days before the Queen lost her mother and therefore I think it would be lovely if they presented the flowers."

After learning of his daughters' honour, their proud father said: "They are absolutely over the moon. They are so proud and so excited.

"It's a great honour for the children and I am so proud for them as well.

"I know for a fact that their mum, Jane, would be so proud for them to be in this situation.