BLANKETS were the order of the day as community spirited Clayton-le-Moors residents braved the chill to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

Around 70 residents descended on Mercer Park on Saturday to take part in a picnic and kick-start four days of celebrations.

Sadly for the locals the sun cream stayed packed away, and most people had blankets over the knees to stay warm.

Local residents Joanne Parry, 38, and Julie Berry, 44, had brought their kids along for a day in the park.

Joanne said: “We live round the corner and the park is really good so we thought we would come along and support the event.”

Julie said: “We like to support the community and I am a fan of the Queen, it is just a shame the sun isn’t out.”

One group of residents had made an extra effort to celebrate, with Union Jack cutlery and a bottle of champagne to toast Her Majesty.

Edith Bennison, 76, Anne Bibby, 77, Connie Thursdon, 79, Joan Jones, 82, Olive Walker, 86, and Dorothy Miller, 90, said they were trying to revive the community spirit.

Edith said: “It is a bit chilly but we wanted to do our bit to celebrate and for community spirit.”