A ROYAL collection of souvenirs that started with a deck of cards has grown into the biggest in the world.
Magistrate Anita Atkinson has been rewarded for 25 years of hoarding with a certificate from Guinness World Records.
Last year, she moved the 1,781 pictures, books, trinkets and plates she displays in her home at Harperley, near Crook, County Durham, in a builder's van to Ireshopeburn Institute, in Upper Weardale, for verification.
With the help of villagers raising money for a children's play area, every item was catalogued and recorded for the Guinness team.
Mrs Atkinson's record is listed on the Guinness website and is being submitted for the ultimate prize - a mention in the Guinness Book of Records.
Last year, the mother-of-three, who is also a school governor, was introduced to the Queen Mother because of her record bid.
She said yesterday: "I never thought it would create so much interest. Now I am thrilled to be officially told that it is the biggest collection in the world. It is amazing."
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