PLANS are being made for a permanent memorial in Ryedale to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

A new committee is to be organised in Norton and Malton to discuss how 60 years of Elizabeth II’s reign can be marked next summer, which could include looking at a permanent memorial of the event.

The move follows a suggestion by Norton resident Mike Gwilliam to the local town council. Arrangements are now being made for the sub-committee, which would seek suggestions and co-ordinate any plans, to be set up.

Both Norton and Malton took part in activities for the Queen’s Silver Jubilee in 1977, and Norton mayor Di Keal said the intention would be for the two towns to work together for the Diamond Jubilee, celebrations for which will centre around the weekend of June 2 to June 5 next year.

Mrs Keal said: “It is coming round very quickly and the sooner we can start discussing what Norton and Malton may do, the better.

“We have spoken about this at the town council and it would be nice to not only have some sort of permanent memorial for the Diamond Jubilee, but also a community event, because it is a very important celebration and not the sort of thing which comes around very often.

“People have very fond memories of the Queen’s Silver Jubilee, which was a huge celebration right across the country, and it’s important that Norton and Malton work together to produce something the community can remember, as well as a lasting memorial.”

The town council is currently looking for a date for the committee to first meet, and Mrs Keal said suggestions from Norton and Malton residents for what can be done to mark the Diamond Jubilee would be welcomed.

Further details about how it will work are expected to be revealed in due course.

She said: “We want the celebrations to be very much a community idea and find out what people would like to do, but if it is to be a big event, it will take time to organise so we need to start planning now.”