Bells ring out for Queen's 80th

The Queen's 80th birthday on Friday was marked by the bell-ringers at St Botolph's Church, in Northfleet, Kent.

Meanwhile, pupils from the marching band of Christ's Hospital School, in Horsham, West Sussex, led a birthday card procession to Buckingham Palace.

They played the national anthem before the giant card was delivered to the Queen at Windsor Castle.

Christ's Hospital's 17-year-old band captain, Michael Baskerville, said signing the card and being in the procession was a "momentous occasion".

The Reverend Canon Tony Smith, vicar at St Botolph's Church, said there were many reasons to be proud of the Queen's patronage.

"Firstly, she's a lovely lady who takes an interest in our parish and in our church.

"She appoints the vicar of this place, she takes a part in it with the church wardens.

"We have a historical link too as our first royal patron was Henry VIII, so we followed him all the way through the monarchs to Elizabeth II."

Mr Smith said the church was also planning a street party soon "as a way of celebrating her many years on the throne".

Bell ringers at St Mary's Church, in Cobham, Kent, were attempting to ring a quarter peal of 1,260 changes on the Queen's birthday.

Stocks Green School, in Hildenborough, Kent, held a playground birthday party, while the Royal Victoria Hall in nearby Southborough was staging a rock concert featuring Kent and Sussex's "best unsigned bands".

Kent brewer Shepherd Neame was celebrating getting one of 145 Queen's Awards, which are handed out annually to businesses.

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