THOUSANDS of people lined the streets today to welcome the Queen to Darlington for the first time in 35 years.

More than 10,000 royal watchers packed into the market square and surrounding roads to catch a glimpse of the Queen.

Palace officials said it was the biggest crowd they had seen since the Golden Jubilee tour began.

The crowds cheered as Her Majesty stepped out of the Royal car in the market square.

The Lord-Lieutenant Sir Paul Nicholson introduced her to the Mayor of Darlington Isobel Hartley and Mayoress Lilian Elliot as well as the chief executive of Darlington Borough Council, Barry Keel.

She was later introduced to leader of Darlington Borough Council Councillor John Williams and Alasdair MacConachie, chairman of the Darlington Partnership.

She was then invited to sign a special commemorative Golden Jubilee book and certificate which will be framed and displayed in the town hall.

A floral banner spelling out Welcome and a host of flags were displayed outside St Cuthbert's Church and crowds of people packed into the church yard to catch a glimpse of her.

She then went out to meet the crowds.

Following her informal policy of always talking to children who have given her flowers, she slowly made her way around the market square.

Youngsters handed her bouquets, single flowers and even boxes of chocolates.

Police officers lifted the smallest children over security barriers so they could get a better view and hand over their flowers.

Two scouts from the Heighington Baden Powell Scouts helped carry the hundreds of flowers to the waiting Royal cars.

And fellow scout Jennifer Kirkly, 13, was chosen to help her unveil a commemorative plaque in the market square to mark her visit.

Dancers from the Tees Dance Initiative and Darlington Youth Dance performed a routine on a specially constructed stage and there were cheers from the crowd as representatives from all the town's primary schools released gold and purple Jubilee balloons into the air.

After the performance, the Queen continued on her walkabout but left the set route to meet even more of the people who had crowded into Tubwell Row to see her.

Finally, running late because of her desire to spend time with the crowds, the Queen got back into her car and left the town to the sound of more cheers from the crowds.