THE weather could not have been more perfect for the Queen's visit to Preston on Monday, August 5.

Wearing a lime green dress and matching knee-length jacket, Her Majesty stepped off the royal train at Preston Railway Station at 10.30am to cheers from the waiting crowd. Prince Philip accompanied her, wearing a casual white Panama hat.

Dozens of people had gathered behind barriers on the station platform as the royal train pulled into platform three on the final leg of Her Majesty's jubilee tour of the country. Wearing black gloves and carrying a matching handbag the Queen was greeted by the Lord Lieutenant of Lancashire, Lord Shuttleworth, before unveiling a plaque to mark the opening of the £2million Virgin refurbishment of the railway station.

The royal couple were taken by car, via Corporation Street and Friargate, to the city centre were they undertook a walkabout and mingled with well-wishers.

Loud cheers of jubilation resounded around the Flag Market as the Queen and Prince Philip, wearing a blue suit, greeted the crowd. Here Her Majesty unveiled a plaque to mark the inauguration of Preston as one of the country's newest cities and was greeted by dignitaries including Preston MP Mark Hendrick and Preston-born animator Nick Park.

Shortly afterwards the royal couple sheltered from the sun in a special marquee, high above the Flag Market on the terrace of the Harris Museum, and watched a community event held by local performers.

William Roache MBE, better known as Corontation Street's Ken Barlow, read a speech entitled The Golden Years of Comedy. Then a group of young dancers from local group Phil Winston's Theatreworks performed the unique Light a Candle, to singing from Preston's One Voice Community Choir.

To finish the entertainment, the Lancashire Sinfonietta were joined by Lancashire born mezzo-soprano Jean Rigby, for a rendition of Summertime.

Among the audience was Colleen Davis, a 25-year-old Canadian born student, whose mother Jean had flown to Preston especially to see the Queen on her tour.

And Prince Philip had time to stop and chat to Alexander Cody, an Italian born war veteran who moved to Preston in 1945.

Then the Queen and Duke moved on to Preston Guild Hall, where an invitation-only reception was held for 1,000 invited guests from all walks of life across the county.

At the end of the reception Her Majesty and His Royal Highness departed by car for the Preston Railway Station, preceded, in part by a military band.