PREPARATIONS for the Queen's Golden Jubilee next month are well under way with parties and celebrations planned across the region.

While the party spirit seems to have had a slow start the mood appears to be hotting up nicely.

For people old enough to recall the Queen's Silver Jubilee in 1977 many will remember street parties galore with red, white and blue bunting, plastic Union Jack hats and pictures of the Queen everywhere. Twenty five years later -- here we go again!

Patriotic firm Ollerton, at Samlesbury Bottoms, Preston, has packed off their first order of their special Golden Jubilee range of furniture. The handsome seat, with the special Jubilee logo, was designed for a town council in Essex for the special event along with a complementary hanging basket, tree guard and bandstand.

Meanwhile St Paul's Church, in Croston Road, Farington, opens its gates for a Jubilee Fun Day from 1.30-5pm on Sunday, May 18, including a raffle, face painting, a treasure hunt and much more. Admission is £1 including a free burger or hot dog.

Parishioners at Brownedge St Mary's, off Brownedge Road, Lostock Hall, are set to enjoy a Festival Week from May 11-17. In addition to the church's usual programme of events there will be an art competition, flower festival and a variety of music. For details contact the church on 335168 for a Festival Week 2002 leaflet.

AS part of the Queen's visit to Preston on August 5, The Citizen wants to celebrate with readers by looking back at the Silver Jubilee of summer 1977.

If you have any photographs which you think tell a story bring them into our offices at 3 Winckley Court, Chapel Street, Preston, and we will scan them in while you wait and return them straight away for safe keeping.

Dust off those albums to find those nostalgic pictures or anything you think tells a jubilee tale. For details call us on 255523.