A NORTH-East council is offering helpful hints for those planning to celebrate the Queen's golden jubilee with a street party.

The guidelines have been drawn up by Sunderland City Council, after it received a number of applications for outdoor parties.

The main celebrations marking the Queen's 50-year reign will be held over the first weekend in June, but with the closing date for applications just three months away, the authority is urging potential street-party organisers to get in early.

Andy Morris the council's assistant senior director of environment, said: "The closing date for people to apply for permission to hold a street party is April 22.

"Because of the statutory procedures we have to go through before we can close a road, any applications received after this date cannot be considered, so we would urge people to get their applications in as soon as possible.''

Environment chiefs have warned that although they will try to accommodate people wherever possible, not every street will be suitable and public safety will be paramount in deciding which street parties are approved.

Parties should be confined to suitable residential, unclassified roads. A cul-de-sac would be ideal, but must remain accessible to emergency services.

Each location will be considered by a council representative in consultation with the police.

No charge will be made for the road closures and "road closed'' signs will be provided free.

In most cases, street parties will not need a public entertainment licence unless they are held on private land and are open to non-residents.

Further information is available by logging on to www.goldenjubilee.gov.uk