A REPLICA throne - inspired by the work of a Burnley craftsman from the Coronation in 1953 - has received Royal approval just days before The Queen makes history.

In just six days’ time, Elizabeth II will become the longest-ever reigning British monarch, when her 63-year plus reign passes the landmark set by her great-great-grandmother, Queen Victoria.

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Single mum Lorraine Tuley picked up a miniature copy of The Queen’s Coronation Chair in an Emmaus charity shop, and discovered it had been been made by Burnley man Ronnie Lees, to celebrate the sovereign’s own investiture.

And after a lengthy process, securing permissions from Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace, her version of the famed seat is now on sale in London and East Lancashire.

Prince Charles has also given his blessing for the ambitious project, which will see the chair stocked in gift shops in Towneley Hall and the abbey’s own gift shop.

Lorraine said: “I have always had a passion for running my own business, and when I came across the old chair in the charity shop it sparked an interest and idea that I could recreate the chair once again from here in Burnley.”

She is now working on a website so she can offer a ‘build-your-own’ kit for the throne, which she hopes will be a winner internationally, especially for the American market.

Burnley MP Julie Cooper, who has seen Lorraine’s handiwork at the abbey, added: “There is no shortage of talent in Burnley and I was delighted to recently meet Lorraine, who has been inspired to begin producing replicas of the Coronation Chair.

“I’m delighted her quality of work has been acknowledged by Prince Charles, who has a great love of Burnley. I wish Lorraine every success with her new venture and will support her wherever possible.”

The entrepreneur, who worked with Barrowford-based Heritage Designs on the prototype, has been liaising with Unity College, where students have taken their own turn at constructing the miniature chairs.

She said: “I am very keen to work closely with the education sector to incorporate the chair into classroom learning.

“It is a wonderful creative way for children to learn about our history.”