Stunning photos of the Queen in Hyndburn have emerged as the borough gets ready to host Her Majesty again in June.

Former Observer photographer Garth Dawson discovered the classic pictures he had taken showing the Queen meeting residents young and old on tours of the borough in 1955 and 1968.

During the 1955 visit, she and Prince Philip visited Accrington Town Hall and met local dignitaries including Alderman Howson.

A Guard of Honour was put outside the town hall during the visit and the streets around the town were lined with well-wishers. Garth, of Queens Road West, Accrington, said: "One of the cotton mills let all of their workers have some time off so they could watch the celebrations."

The Queen visited the borough for a second time in May 1968 when she was driven through Rishton along Blackburn Road, and High and Hermitage streets before being taken to an event at the Dunkenhalgh Hotel, Clayton-le-Moors.

Children in Rishton were given the day off of school and the streets were decorated with bunting, with many residents decorating their homes as well.

Garth said: "We were given very strict instructions of where we could stand and take photos. But it was a special day."

Her Majesty and the Duke of Edinburgh will be visiting on either Wednesday, May 16, or Thursday, May 17, as part of their Diamond Jubilee Tour of every part of the country.

A final itinerary for the upcoming visit has not been set.

The news has delighted the town’s civic leaders.

Hyndburn MP Graham Jones said: "I think it’s fantastic news for Accrington and Hyndburn.

"A lot of hard work has been put in by the council to acquire the visit and I congratulate everyone involved in making this happen.

"I hope the people of Accrington and Hyndburn will make it a very special occasion because it’s not an everyday event."

Do you remember the Queen’s other visits to Hyndburn? Contact Kate Watkins on 0161 211 2831 or emailkate.watkins@menmedia.co.uk .