THE Queen Mother and dozens of film and pop stars have joined a North-East fundraising drive.

A fantastic array of signed memorabilia and personal objects from dozens of celebrities will be up for grabs at the grand charity auction.

The Darlington Dyslexia Institute, in County Durham, has managed to secure the Royal seal of approval among the endorsements from sporting heroes, actors, and rock stars.

The Queen Mother has sent a china trinket box for the event, which will be staged at Feethams, home of Darlington Football Club, on Thursday, July 12.

Other gems include a signed 1970s Happy Days script and note from actor Henry Winkler, aka "The Fonz", a signed England shirt, one of comedienne Victoria Wood's own handbags and a personal illustration from top designer Bruce Oldfield.

The event has been organised to raise emergency funds for the institute to help people struggling to pay for tuition.

Marilyn Butterworth, centre principal, said: "We have had a number of parents who have rung us in a desperate state because they have had a change in circumstances and they can't find the money.

"They know their children are happy and are making improvements, but all of a sudden they are stuck.

"There are trust funds they can apply for but they take time. We are hoping to raise some emergency money to cover that."

The institute, which deals with assessment and tuition of dyslexic people aged from four to 50 plus, has obtained dozens of signed photographs, books, CDs and personal drawings from celebrities for the auction.

Musician Julian Lennon has sent a signed copy of his CD Photographic Smile, actress Julie Walters has donated a copy of her Dinnerladies script, while Man About The House actress Paula Wilcox has sent a beautiful batik painting which was given to her on a trip abroad. Many of the lots include personal messages of support from the celebrities sent with the gifts.

* Bidding at the auction starts at 7pm and viewing is from 6pm. The institute holds free dyslexia surgeries. For more information contact the organisation on (01325) 283580.