A TROUPE of Blackpool dancers proved to be a jewel in the crown when the Queen came to Lancashire for an historic Golden Jubilee visit.

The dancers, from the Phil Winston Dance School, performed for Her Majesty at a special show which was the centrepiece of a royal day in Preston.

The extravaganza, which was devised by Stageworks, the entertainment arm of Blackpool Pleasure Beach, was watched by the Queen's party and thousands of well-wishers, many of whom had caught early-morning trains from the Fylde to be there.

Among the first to arrive to take up a prime spot at Preston station for the arrival of the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh was Tracey Dawson, widow of legendary comic Les. Before she set off home to Lytham she said: "It was wonderful to see her and to be so close." Another early arrival was actor Bill Roache, otherwise known as Coronation's Street's Ken Barlow, who was due to deliver an oration to Her Majesty.

He surveyed the crowds and said: "I don't know what it is that makes Lancashire great -- perhaps it's the weather and the rain, but I think it's the people."

The royal couple's visit culminated in a lavish reception at the Guild Hall for 1,000 VIP guests, including the Fylde's mayors and mayoresses and many of its unsung heroes and heroines.

On their way back to Preston station the Queen and Prince Philip travelled through happy and glorious crowds of flag-waving fans.

Meanwhile, at the Guild Hall, it was back to business as usual -- a large digital display was advertising a forthcoming performance of A Tribute to Queen.

It was going to be hard to beat the one that had just taken place on the streets outside.