THE Queen, Prince Philip and Prince Charles were given a real East Lancashire welcome yesterday.

Thousands of people in Burnley and Accrington lined the streets waving their flags, cheering and clapping as the royal party arrived.

The affection shown towards them was overwhelming, and the Queen responded by saying how the warmth of feeling was ‘astounding’.

It was the perfect start to her Diamond Jubilee celebration tour, which marks 60 years since she came to the thrown.

Many people who waited hours to catch a glimpse of her weren’t even born when she became monarch at the age of 25.

They were fascinated and enthralled as she made her way around the two towns.

It was a moment they will cherish for the rest of their lives.

It was also a special day for Prince Charles, who has declared his passion for Burnley’s industrial heritage and its football club, to bring his parents to the area where his charities have done so much valuable work with young people.

In Jubilee year, it was an honour to have them here.