A DISPLAY of photographs from the Queen’s previous visits to Blackburn are on display to commemorate her arrival tomorrow, Maundy Thursday.

The collection of images, dating back nearly 60 years, is on show at the central library, near the main reception and also on the first floor.

It shows a number of royal visits, by both the Queen and Prince Philip, including those to Mullard’s, QEGS, Pleasington playing fields and the town hall.

In 1955 the Queen and Prince Philip paid their first visit to Blackburn during a tour of East Lancashire, which turned red, white and blue, to welcome the royal couple.

Wearing slate blue the Queen stood in front of the town hall as a parade of soldier presented arms during the National Anthem.

The square was packed with townsfolk and one of the oldest in the crowds was 90-year-old Isobel Cook of Montague Street, who had arrived to take up position at 8am with her daughter, Mrs J Lomax, armed with flasks.

The royal couple later toured the Mullard’s factory, chatting to workers, including Joan Rudd of Blakey Street, Blackburn, Gladys Altham of Lower Heys, Oswaldtwistle and Joyce Hargreaves of Hesketh Street, Great Harwood. They were later given a rousing send-off by more than 4,000 workers.

As the Queen left for Accrington, the motorcade passed the end of Peronne Street, Blackburn, where six-year-old Allan Walker was waiting to present a bouquet of five yellow roses.

Behind schedule, the car passed by and Allan burst into tears, but his tribute had been noticed by the royal couple. A radio message went out to the police motorcyclists and officers later delivered his flowers.

The couple also visited Burnley, where they had lunch at the town hall, before going on to Nelson and Colne, where they were met by packed crowds, flags and bunting.

The Queen and Prince Philip, visit Blackburn Cathedral for the first time tomorrow, to hand out Maundy Money to men and women from across Lancashire.

Coun Damian Talbot, executive member for leisure, culture and young people, said: “The photographs are absolutely fascinating. As well as seeing Her Majesty in her younger days, you can see how people used to dress at the time, what the first cars looked like and even what the town centre looked like at the time.

“People certainly came out to cheer and welcome the royal couple to Blackburn, as I am sure they will do tomorrow and we will be adding images from this visit to collection for future generations to see.”