THIS week 15 years ago, lost images detailing the history of the North-East were rediscovered.

Hundreds of glass slide images were found in Preston Hall Museum, at Eaglescliffe, near Stockton.

The photographs, together with notes and books from the time, painted a vivid picture of Stockton's past.

The images included pictures of John Walker, who invented the friction match, with his pestle and mortar.

Others showed well-known characters in the town at the time.

The secretary of the Friends of Preston Hall, Lynn Lamport, said: "It has been fascinating cataloguing all these images, but very hard work.

"It started when one of our new members, Jan Horton, was looking for something to do and we said she might look at all these shelves of glass images.

"It will take years to complete the job.

"We eventually found a poster of a lecture using a projector lantern Mr Heavisides gave in February 1909 to raise money for Stockton and Thornaby Hospital, along with his original notes.

"We had the idea to give the lecture again at the museum and have been working flat out on that since."

Also, that week a couple marked their diamond wedding anniversary with four days of celebration.

Bill and Eileen Shuttleworth began their day with the special delivery of a card from the Queen, which brought back memories for Mrs Shuttleworth of when her own parents had received a royal congratulatory telegram on their 60th wedding anniversary.

Dr Shuttleworth said: "It is wonderful to celebrate this occasion surrounded by so many of our friends."

About 40 of their friends had gathered that day at West Burton Village Hall for a "wedding" dinner.

Meanwhile, Maud Beesley celebrated her 100th birthday at Cherry Garth Residential Home, in Thirsk,

Mrs Beesley, devoted her life to her family including her twin daughters, son, nine grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

Her family had arranged for a message from the Queen as part of the home's celebration party.

North Yorkshire County Council social services committee presented her with flowers and a birthday gift and a congratulatory message was sent from the mayor and chairman of Hambleton District Council.