Guests and singers, old and young, gathered at County Hall in Trowbridge yesterday (Thursday jun 16) for a party to celebrate the Queen's 90th birthday.

With the Atrium adorned with festive bunting, Union Jack balloon hats, fancy dress and decorative treats, Wiltshire Council invited locals to enjoy strawberries, tea, cake and live music in a thoroughly British celebration.

Baroness Jane Scott of Bybrook OBE, leader of Wiltshire Council, said: “We asked a number of residential homes in the area and the public to come to tea and celebrate the Queen’s 90th birthday.

“Because we have no budget we held a bake off among the staff prior to the event so we had enough cakes to go around, which was really fun to do.”

Winner of the Bake Off competition, 64 year-old Ruth Jennings from Westbury, said: “I was so surprised when I won because I honestly had no idea that I was taking part in a competition. I spent a whole day decorating my orange and lemon drizzle cake which I think everyone is now currently eating.”

Live music was provided by pupils from Walwayne Court School and Studley Green School, Trowbridge, and the Wiltshire Council Choir, singing to more than 100 guests.

Craft making, balloon sculpting and face painting was also on offer for the children to have fun and enjoy.

“I think it’s brilliant what they’ve got down here” said Kirsty Wright, 27, from Trowbridge. “My kids have really enjoyed the face painting and all the crafts, there’s so much for them to do.”

Baroness Scott added: “It’s just a little way for Wiltshire to say Happy Birthday to the Queen.”