THE Queen's golden jubilee is being celebrated in style by Women's Institute members in Witton-le-Wear.

The 40 members of the Women's Institute group in the village, near Bishop Auckland, have paid £500 for a bench to serve as a permanent tribute to the Queen's 50 years on the throne.

The metal memorial seat has been set in concrete on the village green.

Dotted around it are chestnut trees which were planted by villagers to mark Queen Victoria's diamond jubilee.

Women's Institute president Sheila Tock said: "We are determined not to allow the bad publicity surrounding some members of the Royal Family to spoil the celebrations.

"They are just like other families, who have to cope with their ups and downs. They are only human.

"But the Queen is something very special. She has dedicated the whole of her life to this country.

"This is our way of saying we appreciate what she has done over the past 50 years."

Mrs Tock said that further golden jubilee celebrations were being planned by villagers to take place later in the year.