IF YOU want to join in the celebrations for the Queen Mother's 100th birthday but your invitation was held up in the post the Internet is the place for you today.

There are thousands of websites claiming some sort of connection to the Queen Mum - although some probably have more chance of getting a royal seal of approval than others.

If you want to add your best wishes to the many sent in from around the world try the BBC's talking point

website at http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/talking_point/ Your message could join the huge number which were being posted onto the site weeks before her birthday and which reveal the high regard in which the Queen Mother is held around the globe.

This from Dr Jeffrey Page of Auckland, New Zealand is typical.

"This is indeed an auspicious occasion for a great lady."

Alternatively you could send your message to the North-East's own birthday greetings website at www.thisisthenortheast.co.uk/queenmum This site also contains plenty of pictures and information from The Northern Echo's celebration supplement. For the official story about her life and to take a look inside some of the royal photo albums try www.royal.gov.uk This website gives readers information and the history about the British monarchy as well as giving details about all the current royal family.

But if you feel that sending an e-mail is not a fitting way to celebrate the great occasion then perhaps you could consider signing up for The Queen Mother Appreciation Society. Although its unwieldy address might

suggest this web page was set up in someone's bedroom (www.theory.mpipmainz.mpg.de/mplathe/qmas.html) its ideals could attract the sort of royalist who has their tongue firmly in their cheek.

The society claims to have been formed to appreciate the Queen Mum, and celebrate her birthday as well as demand that the Queen abdicate (and her naughty offspring, too) and that the crown be passed to the Queen Mum.

And if you want to join? Sorry this organisation, which publishes its details for millions to see, is a secret society.