A PENSIONER penned a short poem to the Queen - and received two royal replies.

Arthur Abbott, of Nunthorpe, Middlesbrough, wrote the two-verse poem after hearing of the Queen Mother's death and sent copies to the Queen and Prince Charles.

The 82-year-old has received replies from ladies in waiting, on behalf of the Queen, from Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle.

In 1997, Mr Abbott received a personal reply from the Queen when he wrote her a poem about Princess Diana's death.

Of his latest work, he said: "I really wanted to put what I felt into words."

The poem, called A Loving Thought, reads:

After all the sorrow,

After all the tears have

gone,

I hope you enjoy the

happiness,

I wish for my loving ones.

My days have been so

happy,

And I leave just loving you,

So remember me so

happily,

As I go, still loving you.