THE keenly-awaited visit by Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth and His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh to Wiltshire will live long in the memory.

Chippenham High Street was crowded with Royal fans and well-wishers, many of whom waited hours to catch a glimpse of their monarch yesterday.

"It was a tremendous morning," said the Mayor of Chippenham, Coun Barbie Dawson. "It is a big day for Chippenham. I am so pleased I was Mayor for her visit. This day will stay in my memory for ever."

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh were due to visit the county in March this year but postponed the trip because of the foot and mouth outbreak.

This time they arrived as planned at Chippenham station at around 11am, by scheduled train, and were met by the Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire, Maurice Johnston.

The Queen wore a striking scarlet-coloured coat; her outfit was topped with a purple coloured hat decorated with a jaunty red feather.

Chippenham High Street was similarly awash with colour, decked in red, white and blue bunting. Many patriotic shop owners adorned their windows with Union Jacks. Even the animated Santa in Woolworths had two flags tucked into his moving mitten!

As the royal convoy drew up, and the Queen alighted from a glossy Bentley, a huge cheer arose from the crowd.

The Chippenham Town Band set up in front of Emery Gate and serenaded the royal couple with a programme of carols and variations.

Howard Harding, father of Swindon Town fan Lydia Harding, who died of cancer earlier in the year, is a member of the band.

The band played I Will Follow Him, in memory of Lydia, as she had choreographed the song for a dance in church.

"A lot of people have taken time off work to play here today. It is a great pleasure to be here to see the Queen," said Mr Harding.

The Queen's schedule also involved a visit to Calne, and finished with a visit to Malmesbury and Dyson Appliances.