BOLTON schoolchildren were treated to a very royal visit.

Teaching assistant Mary Waring donned a glittering crown to taken on the mantel of the Queen for a garden party at St Peter and St Pauls CE School.

Children wore red, white and blue, or chose to dress as princes and princesses for the celebrations marking Queen Elizabeth II's 63-year-long record-breaking reign.

Mrs Waring, 59, was treated like royalty for the day, and even had her own thrown, while children ate lunch outside in the yard, enjoying a party atmosphere.

Headteacher Trish Gordon said the children enjoyed a full day of celebrations.

"The 'Queen' came in during our assembly for a surprise visit and sat on a thrown to give out the student of the week certificates - it made it even more special for the children," she added.

"Mary really was a Queen for the day, she's quite a shy lady but she goes above and beyond for the children."