THE happy memories of elderly people throughout the region have been compiled in a book to mark the Queen's Golden Jubilee.

People living in the 27 Abbeyfield nursing homes in the North-East were asked to recall their favourite thoughts from the past 50 years.

All the recollections have been put into a book, called Jubilee Memories, which will be sold to raise money for the residents in the company's nursing homes.

Among those featured in the book is Grace Nelson, who lives at Latimer House, Darlington.

Mrs Nelson, who is in her 80s, remembers when she met the Queen Mother during her visit to the region to celebrate 100 years of the Stockton and Darlington Railway, in 1925.

As well as presenting a bouquet to the then Duchess of York, Mrs Nelson and her parents were invited to lunch.

The book costs £6, including postage, and can be ordered by calling (01665) 606197, or at the Darlington Society's garden party in the grounds of Danby Lodge, Ashcroft Road, on Saturday, June 29, from 2pm.