MARKET traders today issued a VIP invitation to the Queen after writing to Buckingham Palace for some Golden Jubilee posters.

Stallholders on Rawtenstall market originally made contact with the palace when they couldn't find any photographs or posters to mark the celebration.

But after receiving a letter confirming material is available, they have replied inviting the Queen to stop off in the town on her Jubilee Tour and sample some Lancashire hot pot.

Traders have decorated the market with Union flag bunting and stalls are bedecked in red, white and blue.

Joan Whiteley, partner in a biscuit stall, said: "We wanted posters of the Queen but I couldn't find any -- the only ones I saw were on the Internet and they cost £25 for one. So I wrote to Buckingham Palace to ask the Queen for help and I have received a letter back."

The letter, from information officer Michelle Edwards, says: "I have pleasure in enclosing a poster request form to help you manage to obtain something that will please the traders in Rawtenstall Market for their celebration of the Queen's Golden Jubilee."

Joan said: "We have now written a reply to say thanks and said if the Queen wants to make a detour in her jubilee tour she will be made more than welcome in Rawtenstall.