ANITA Atkinson is a fervent monarchist and proud to be so.

he holds the Guinness World Record for the largest collection of royal memorabilia and, in 2011, she camped outside Westminster Abbey for days to ensure she got a good view of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s wedding.

A regular at royal garden parties, she is an oracle on the history of the monarchy and is frequently called upon to talk at schools, meetings and special events. She even set up a royal-themed tea room in Stanhope, County Durham, in 2012, to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

This provided an opportunity for her display some of her prized collection but the vast bulk has remained behind closed doors at her home on the outskirts of Fir Tree, near Crook.

Up until now that is. For this summer, Mrs Atkinson has finally realised her dream to create her own museum dedicated to the Windsors and their ancestors.

With the blessing of her husband, John, the 60-year-old has transformed an old dairy barn on the family farm into a cosy exhibition space, with a distinct blue, white and red colour scheme.

Everywhere you look there are pieces of commemorative china, calendars, toys, tea towels, historic newspapers, cardboard cut-outs, paintings, coins, stamps and flags.

There is a rare baby’s rattle marking the Queen’s coronation, a Christmas pudding bowl presented to a member of the Queen’s staff, and an original order of service from the wedding of Prince Charles to Lady Diana Spencer.

“I have always wanted my own museum and so it feels wonderful to finally have one after 40 years,” said Mrs Atkinson.

“I really hope to host school groups here. Britishness is on the school curriculum now and my personal aim is to promote the monarchy and educate people on the constitutional role they play.

“The museum will also be open to adults, and, as it is well known British people won’t go anywhere unless they can get a cup of tea, I will be serving traditional afternoon teas here too.”

Mrs Atkinson still has some finishing touches to do to the museum but hopes to begin her tours next year. Earlier this week, she invited Frosterley Women’s Institute along for a sneak peek.

Members Joan Adamson and Chris Chamberlain were impressed by the collection, which spans from Princess Charlotte of Wales, who died in child birth in 1817, to the present day Princess Charlotte.

“It is fascinating,” said Mrs Chamberlain. “The children will really enjoy hearing Anita’s stories. I think we are certainly better off with a royal family as they bring so many people into the country.”

Mrs Atkinson’s love affair with the royals took hold in the run up to the Queen’s Silver Jubilee in 1977 when she received some commemorative playing cards as a birthday gift. Her first brush with the media came in 1981, the year her first daughter, Ruth, was born. As her due date clashed with the royal wedding, Mrs Atkinson brought flags and memorabilia into hospital with her, which captured the attention of a local reporter.

She went onto appear on television and has since become a respected corresponded often called upon to comment on the latest royal occasion.

“The royal family is part of our heritage,” said the grandmother-of-three. “Most of the items here were given to me by people who trust me to look after them. They all have stories attached to them and I see myself not only as custodians of the objects but of the special memories they represent.”