THREE charities had its hands on a piece of Diamond Jubilee history on Wednesday when carpets used by the Queen were donated to different causes.

Specialist Stevenage school TRACKS, Hitchin-based British Schools Museum and Garden House Hospice in Letchworth GC have all been presented with carpet used during Her Majesty’s visit to Hitchin in June.

“We are delighted that three local charities are able to benefit in such a practical way from the legacy of the Queen’s Jubilee visit to Hitchin earlier this year,” said leader of North Herts District Council Lynda Needham,

TRACKS, which provides care for two to six-year-olds in Hertfordshire who have autism and related disorders, will use the carpet to replace its current one in the group classroom which was ruined by flooding in May.

“Everyone is really thrilled,” said TRACKS trustee Vicki Whent.

“There’s been a lot of doom and gloom with our funding so getting the carpet has been a ray of hope for a lot of parents.”

The British Schools Museum was awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service by Her Majesty during the visit, and hope to display the carpet during its Heritage Open Day at the weekend.

The carpet at Garden House Hospice was due to be getting immediate use with hundreds of women involved in last night’s Starlight Walk having the chance to follow in the Queen’s footsteps when they crossed the finish line.

Walkers set off at 11.30pm and followed either a six or 10-mile route which started and finished at North Herts Leisure Centre in Letchworth GC.

Backed by the Comet, the annual night-time walk aims to raise thousands of pounds for the hospice – which cares for patients with a terminal diagnosis in Stevenage and North Herts.