HUNDREDS of youngsters have written to the Queen, urging her to upgrade their town to a city.

Officials bidding for Middlesbrough to become a city encouraged the children to express their pride in the town.

They wrote letters describing what the town has to offer and drew pictures of the town's landmarks.

Pupils from Captain Cook, St Clare's, Abingdon, Chandler's Ridge, Sunnyside and Pallister Park primary schools took part.

Lady-in-waiting Annabel Whitehead wrote to Class Y1S at Pallister Park on behalf of the Queen to thank them for sending her a book featuring the letters and pictures.

She wrote: "The Queen greatly appreciated the care you have taken with your book, and was interested to see all the reasons why you think Middlesbrough should be granted the status of a city."

Madiha Saghir, 11, from Abingdon Primary School, wrote: "We would have a better future and we will have a job when we grow older. My request to you is to make this major difference in Middlesbrough between a town and a city."

Middlesbrough councillor Charlie Rooney said: "They have articulated exactly why we should be a city. They have identified our famous landmarks, our fantastic shopping centre, our great cultural and sporting facilities and, of course, the friendly people."

Middlesbrough's bid for city status will be handed in on Friday.

To back the bid, visit lovemiddlesbrough.com