A retired Malvern hotelier has written to the Lord Chancellor as he steps up his efforts to get a national sporting event renamed in honour of the Queen's Golden Jubilee.

Michael Frankau, aged 85, of Morgan Court in Worcester Road, originally wrote to the Queen's private secretary at Buckingham Palace to suggest that the annual London Marathon be given a royal prefix in her honour.

He believes the initiative would be a fitting tribute and would help mark her Golden Jubilee celebrations, next year, in style.

In response, the private secretary redirected Mr Frankau to the Lord Chancellor, Lord Irvine, because it is he who is constitutionally responsible for advising the Queen on the use of the title.

Mr Frankau said: "I think there's every chance of it coming off.

"I'm also thinking of writing to the producers of Flora, who sponsor the London Marathon, for their approval. I'm sure they would be delighted to give it because it adds prestige to the race."

Mr Frankau believes next year's commemoration of the Queen's 50 years on the throne will help re-establish the Royal Family as an integral part of the country's heritage.