FINAL preparations were today being made for the Queen's visit to East Lancashire.

A major police operation will swing into action tomorrow for Her Majesty's trip to the area.

Barriers will be put up in Blackburn town centre for the Queen's arrival at the railway station at 9.55am, where she will be greeted by 100 school children.

Police said well-wishers should arrive early if they want to a catch a glimpse of the Queen, who will be driven to Church Street.

There will be barriers on Jubilee Street, Railway Road, Church Street, the Boulevard and Darwen Street.

The Queen will leave Blackburn at 10.30am after unveiling a plaque to mark the redevelopment of The Mall shopping centre Supt Mark Bartlett of Lancashire Constabulary said: "A lot of planning and preparation has taken place and we hope that the day is a memorable one for everyone."

Blackburn with Darwen Council leader Kate Hollern said: "Once the royal party arrives at 10am people will not be allowed beyond the cordon so if they intend to be part of the cheering crowds I would urge people to get there early."

Roads to be closed between 9.30am and 11am are Railway Road, Church Street, Jubilee Street, Darwen Street from Church Street to Jubilee Street and Mincing Lane from Weir Street to Church Street.

Traffic will also be diverted onto Montague Street from King Street and stopped from turning off Eanam roundabout towards Salford, apart from shoppers driving to Morrisons.

The Queen will then visit Whitewell and Dunsop Bridge in the Ribble Valley.