THE EASTER Sunday congregation of Blackburn Cathedral shared its memories and thoughts of the Queen Mother and spoke of how she touched their lives.

George Wilson, 72, of Lambeth Street, Blackburn had two encounters with the Queen Mother.

He said: "She visited Blackburn when I was a child and I saw her when I was at Audley School.

"We waved flags at her like hankies then I saw her again in 1948 when I did the National Service.

"We were watching a football match between Bradford Park Avenue and Tottenham at Wembley at the same time as Prince Charles was being born.

"She's been around for most of our lives."

Alan Gregson, 72, of Langho, said: "I can remember her because I served in the forces just after the war. I was in the Coldstream guards. I remember all the comings and goings.

"She was a gracious lady and I think she had the country at heart and the people in general."

Norman Crook, 63, of Ewood, said: "She was a wonderful person. I saw her when I was three when she visited the Royal Ordnance Factory, in Lower Darwen, with the King."

Paula Woodhouse, 23 lives in Abingdon, Oxfordshire, but was visiting relatives at Harwood for Easter and had celebrated Easter Sunday at the cathedral.

She said: "It's sad that she's gone. I think it had been expected for a little while. Everybody loved her."

Parnol Rothwell, 54, of Longton near Preston, admitted to being a lifelong supporter of the Royal family.

She said: "I think it's very sad it's happened in the Queen's Jubilee year as she has already lost her sister.

"I remember as a little girl the King dying and I've always been a follower of the Royal family.

"I saw her at a service at Westminster Abbey many years ago. As a member of the Mothers' Union I know she was our patron."

Mark Pickering, 23, of Blackburn, said: "I thought she was great. She seemed to do a lot for everyone."