A LIMITED number of tickets for the Queen's golden jubilee concerts are being offered to County Durham residents.

A total of 242 tickets have been set aside for the county for two special open air concerts celebrating the anniversary, in June.

Organised by the BBC, one will feature top pop musicians, including Sir Paul McCartney, Sir Elton John and Aretha Franklin, the other classical music stars including Dame Kiri Te Kanawa and Thomas Allen.

Both concerts are taking place at Buckingham Palace, and will be preceded by a champagne picnic and other entertainment in the palace gardens.

A BBC spokesman said: "This is the first time that a monarch has invited people from every part of the country to Buckingham Palace for a concert. The Queen will host the two concerts on Saturday, June 1 and the next Monday.

Anyone can apply for one or two tickets to either or both concerts, and successful applicants will be contacted in writing by April 19."

The concerts will be broadcast live on TV and radio and will be shown on large screens in The Mall, in London, and elsewhere.

People can apply for tickets by ringing 0900 1952 2002, and land line calls will cost no more than £1.

More than 3,000 telephone lines will be open for calls, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, until midnight on March 20. Ticket applications can also be made online at www.bbc.co.uk/queensconcerts

All proceeds will be donated to the Queen's golden jubilee charity.