DESPITE poor weather, there was a sea of red, white and blue in Melksham over the weekend as street parties and picnics took place to mark the Queen's milestone 90th birthday.

A picnic thrown by the town council on Sunday, saw around 250 people turn out, who were able to watch the Queen’s drive down the Mal streamed live on big screen at the assembly hall.

Although, originally organised for the King George Playing Field, the assembly hall was quickly decked with bunting and benches were set up down the centre of the hall for people to sit.

Chairman of the organising committee, Pat Aves said: “We had a really good turn out and everybody had a lovely time.

“It was supposed to be held outside but as always with unpredictable English weather we had to change it and put it on in the assembly hall.

“An added bonus of doing it indoors was that we could watch the live celebrations with the Royal family meeting people and being taken along the Mal.”

On Saturday the Ebenezer Church in Union Street had their own coffee morning from 10.30-12pm and on Sunday a special village fair with children's activities, adult village games and a dog show kicked-off at midday in Shaw.

“It was a lot of fun and I want to thank several people who helped organise it including Kathy Isles, Hayley Spencer, Miriam Zaccarelli, Adrienne Westbrook and Lynda Oliver,” Ms Aves added.

“It was a very British day having moved it for the weather but in the end it was really great and we are happy it all went so well.”