AN exhibition will open after the Queen Mother's funeral next week to mark her close ties with a North-East museum.

Bowes Museum, at Barnard Castle, County Durham, will pay its respects through an exhibition of items of clothing loaned by the Queen Mother.

The exhibition, which is called Lady, Queen, Patron, will include a satin and gold lame dress that was worn by the Queen Mother for the coronation of her daughter, Queen Elizabeth, in 1952.

A selection of hats from the Royal Milliners exhibition, many belonging to the Queen Mother, will be on display.

The exhibition will also feature photographs taken during the Queen Mother's six visits to the museum, the last in 1992, for its centenary.

The Queen Mother was a descendent of John Bowes, who founded the museum in 1892.

As an added mark of respect, the museum will be closed on Tuesday until 2pm.

Adrian Jenkins, museum director, said: "The Queen Mother's affection for the Bowes Museum was especially strong and we have lost an invaluable supporter.

"She really was a true friend of the museum in every sense, particularly in her role as patron of the Friends of Bowes.

"She visited the museum on a number of occasions and only last year lent a large number of her hats to the hugely successful Royal Milliners exhibition.

"Her contribution to the vitality of Bowes will be sorely missed."

The exhibition runs until Monday, May 6.