A TOWN celebrated the coronation of Britain's national sovereign more than 70 years ago.

This photo, taken in June 1953, shows how the residents of Springfield Road, Burnley, celebrated the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.

A cake shaped as a crown was baked and iced by former army catering instructor J. Riley and it is shown here in the centre of the picture surrounded by admiring children.

It is clear that something amusing had been said judging by the smiles on some of the youngsters in the group.

The residents in the area organised races and other events to keep the children amused throughout the day, topped off with an impressive fireworks display in the evening.

Aged just 25 the Queen's coronation, on June 2, came following the death of her father, George VI, who died on February 9, 1952.

The coronation was held more than a year later because of the tradition of allowing an appropriate length of time to pass after a monarch dies before holding such festivals.

It also gave the planning committees adequate time to make preparations for the ceremony.

During the service, Elizabeth took an oath, was anointed with holy oil, wore robes and regalia and was then crowned Queen of the UK.

She was Queen of Canada, Australia and South Africa.