FOUR days of celebration are on the cards for Richmond next summer as the Meet, the Queen's golden jubilee and the town festival coincide.

The government has set aside June 3 as a national holiday to mark 50 years since the Queen ascended to the throne. The date clashes with Meet Monday, so the town council wants to organise an extra day of celebrations on the Tuesday.

Ideas include a picnic on the Batts with live 50s' music, an exhibition at the Richmondshire museum of souvenirs of the Queen's reign, and a re-run of the popular sheep-on-show competition, where groups decorate wooden sheep, this time with an historical theme.

The town beacon will be lit on the Monday to coincide with the national chain, and a church service will be held.

Coun Stuart Parsons said: "We have to be 100pc sure that we are not entering into competition with the Meet. "

However, some members felt the jubilee should be celebrated on the Monday, in line with the rest of the country, and combined with the Meet.

Coun David Johnson said: "We are slightly off-beat if we are going to put the Queen after the Meet."

Coun Katherine Carr said the Meet had problems attracting people on the Sunday. A combined celebration could pull more visitors to the town.

Coun Tom Burrows, the mayor, suggested striking a jubilee coin to be distributed to children and elderly residents.

l More Richmond Town Council news: Page 14.