City shows its pride at Royal visit.

Byline: ALASTAIR CRAIG; ROB PATTINSON

SMILES and pride swept across Tyneside as Her Majesty the Queen came to town.

Thousands turned out as she made several appearances across the region. At Newcastle City Library, Her Majesty revealed she rarely has time to read.

The Monarch told library staff she only finds time to enjoy a good page turner when she's on holiday. Her Majesty pulled back the curtain on a plaque commemorating the occasion before she and the Duke of Edinburgh put their names in the official visitor book.

Spontaneous applause had broken out as Her Majesty stepped from the Royal car into the new purpose built facility.

Cheers echoed through the building, while outside hundreds patriotically waived their Union Jack flags and peered through the windows in the hope of catching a glimpse of Royalty.

As Her Majesty looked up through the magnificent lobby of the new purpose built site, young and old lined the mezzanine balconies.

Three giant banners unfurled from the ceiling, each with the word 'Welcome'.

But it was Her Majesty who put the crowd at ease smiling warmly and listening intently to each person she spoke with.

A hush fell upon the crowd as they respectfully allowed council leaders, library bosses, school children, readers and community groups, the chance to talk with the Queen.

As the Royal couple left, primary school pupils presented them with gifts.

Alex Corbett, 11, from Knop Law School, in Chapel House, Newcastle presented a children's book.

John Healy, of Scared Heart RC School, offered The Library Book, chronicling the building of the site, while Amy Rob, of Walkergate School, gave the Duke Of Edinburgh, 'Tales of the Tyne', reflecting on Tyneside's rich shipbuilding heritage.

Senior Library manager Janice Hall, said: "It's just the most monumental experience having her to officially open the library." Meanwhile, the North East's newest museum won also won the seal of approval as the Queen toured its exhibits.

Hundreds of well-wishers gathered outside the Great North Museum: Hancock, in Newcastle, as Her Majesty arrived to officially open the pounds 27m redeveloped attraction.

The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh came face-to-face with a life-size Tyrannosaurus Rex, and a computer-generated model of Hadrian's Wall on a walk around the museum's halls.

Alec Coles, director of Tyne and Wear Archives and Museums, and the Lord Lieutenant Sir Nigel Sherlock escorted Her majesty on the tour.

Mr Coles said: "There could be no greater recognition of the significance of the project at the Great North Museum.

"All involved and the people of the region are grateful to Her Majesty and His Royal Highness."

The Royal couple were joined by their grand-daughter Princess Eugenie and civic dignitaries for lunch, before the Queen unveiled a plaque commemorating her visit.

The Queen left with the Duke and Princess to cheers from a 200-strong crowd and were driven away in the official car, while Eugenie left separately in a silver Range Rover.

CAPTION(S):

OUT AND ABOUT: Her Majesty the Queen has a walkabout on Northumberland Street. TO THE POINT: Prince Philip at the new library GREAT SHOW: The Queen visits the Great North Museum in Newcastle IN THE NEWS: Yesterday's front page for later editions FAMILY AFFAIR: the Queen at Princess Eugenie at the Great North Museum STANDING TO ATTENTION: The Queen meets staff at the the new library in Newcastle DROOL BRITANNIA: a young fan waits to see The Queen during her visit.