DRIVERS are warned they face delays and road closures when the Queen's Golden Jubilee tour arrives in County Durham next week.

Several roads will be closed for a time on Wednesday, to allow free passage for the Royal entourage and to ensure security.

The Queen will arrive at Seaham at 10.15am, visit Easington and Blackhall Rocks before having lunch at Durham Castle at noon.

During the afternoon she will walk in the city's Market Place and open the Millennium City complex before arriving in Darlington Market Place at 3.40pm.

Durham police have announced the roads that will be closed during the visit, giving times that the closures will start but not the finishing times.

A spokesman said: "Once the Royal party has moved on to the next event the roads will be reopened reasonably smartly.

"During the closure times it would make sense for motorists to avoid these roads as there will be some disruption.''

* The closures are: North Terrace, Seaham, starting at 7am; B1287 North Road, Seaham, from 8.30am; Office Street/Colliery Access Road, Easington, from 7am.

B1283 Seaside Lane/Station Road, Sunderland Road, Easington and Grants Houses, starting at 9.30am; Station Road, Blackhall Rocks, from 8am.

*l Claypath, Saddler Sreet, Silver Street, Framwelgate Bridge, Elvet Bridge, Owengate, North Bailey, South Bailey, Dun Cow Lane, Bow Lane, all Durham City, from 10am.

* Horse Market, Bull Wynd, East Row, Darlington, from 9am. Church Row, Church Lane and Feethams, Darlington, from noon.