Programme set for town's royal visit

The Queen will visit the town on Wednesday, May 8, for a walkabout in the Market Square.

The last time she visited the town was in 1967, when she made a tour of the town hall with the Duke of Edinburgh.

On that occasion, hundreds of royal fans crowded into the Market Square to catch a glimpse of the Queen as she toured the area.

It is hoped that her visit this year, which is part of the Queen's golden jubilee celebrations, will generate as much interest.

The royal tour will start at 3.40pm when she arrives at the Market Square.

She will then be taken to the town hall, where she will sign a commemorative golden jubilee book and a certificate marking her visit.

The highlight of her visit will be a performance by the Tees Valley Dance Initiative in the Market Square.

Seventy young people will take part in the short open-air performance.

The Queen will then walk around the Market Square, meeting people before unveiling a commemorative stone just after 4pm.

The leader of Darlington Borough Council, Councillor John Williams, who will meet the Queen and show her around the town, said he was looking forward to her visit.

He said: "The council is delighted to welcome the Queen to Darlington as part of her golden jubilee celebrations.

"We are very honoured that she has chosen to include the town in her tour of the country."

Before the Queen leaves Darlington she will be presented with a bouquet by a pupil from one of the town's school.

The Northern Echo is joining forces with Darlington Borough Council in a search to find the youngster who will have the honour of meeting the Queen and presenting her with the flowers.

Any youngster aged 11 or under, who lives in Darlington, can enter the competition.

To enter just write in 50 words or less why you, or your child, should have the honour of meeting the Queen.

Send your entry, together with a name, address and contact number to: Hayley Gyllenspetz, The Northern Echo, Priestgate, Darlington, DL3 OSY.