FOLLOWING Her Majesty the Queen's visit to the North West last week the Citizen looks back to the time the Sovereign came to Preston on April 13, 1955.

The red carpet was rolled out as the Royal train carrying Her Majesty and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh arrived at platform six, at 12.35pm.

Around 500 wives and children of railway workers flanked the platform where the pillars had been splendidly decorated with red, white and blue flowers surmounted by a Royal Crest.

As Her Majesty descended she looked divine in a fitted midnight blue coat and white ermine with a matching hat while the Duke wore a dark grey suit and carried a bowler.

They were greeted by the Lord Lieutenant Lord Derby and Lady Derby. Solemn ex-service men with their standards lined the streets as the Royal cars turned into Fishergate for a three-mile tour of the town. Crowds packed the route with more than 20,000 people waiting for a glimpse of HRH Queen Elizabeth II.

Children frantically waved Union Jacks as the procession made its way past members of the Women's Royal Air Force in Lune Street and into Friargate and Moor Lane, where 600 Girl Guides stood.

As the Royal party turned off North Road they were met by patients and medical staff from Preston Royal Infirmary.

On the final stretch the Royal procession continued into Deepdale Road and on to Church Street to the old Town Hall in Market Square, where trumpeters of the 1st Battalion The Loyal Regiment sounded the National Anthem. This was followed by a Coronation Fanfare as Her Majesty and Prince Phillip mounted the steps of the dais at the Town Hall.

There they were greeted by the Mayor, Councillor Joseph Gray JP who presented civic leaders and other dignitaries.

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