Royals at service for Queen's Diamond Jubilee

Hundreds of people gathered at Lichfield Cathedral for a ceremony with the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester to start the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

The Service of Thanksgiving was held yesterday where civic dignitaries, charity members and people from community organisations and businesses gathered to mark the 60th anniversary of the Queen's accession to the throne.

The cathedral choir sang some of the songs which were performed at the Coronation. Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester, who is 20th in line to the throne, read a reading from the first letter of Peter as part of the service.

The Very Rev Adrian Dorber, Dean of Lichfield, said: "I think the experience of the service was very joyful participatory event.

"It was great to see people from all areas of the county gathering.

"This is the third visit the duke has made to the cathedral in four years, he is quite fond of the place and has been a big help and support to us."

Dennis Davies, aged 65, of Burntwood, was at the ceremony with his wife, Christine, 67. He said: "I think the Queen does an outstanding job, and other people in civic life could learn from her. It's quite an honour to be here."

Staffordshire County Councillor for Norton Canes John Rowley was at the cathedral with his wife, Jean.

He said: "The Queen does a lot for the tourism in this country and she hasn't put a foot wrong throughout her reign.

"At the end of the day, the forces swear their allegiances to the Queen, not to the Government."

Sally Clamp, 36, from Leicestershire, attended the service with her mother, Jean Priestland, 67, to see her sea cadet son, Joshua Priestland, aged 16, line the entrance pathway.