RESIDENTS were among thousands who lined the streets yesterday as the Queen visited Worcester as part of her Diamond Jubilee tour.

The occasion marked the Queen’s first visit to Worcester in more than 10 years.

The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh arrived to officially open the Hive, the city’s new £60 million library and history centre.

Dressed in a Karl Ludwig pale pink tweed coat and dress and a matching hat from Angela Kelly, the Queen, accompanied by Prince Philip, was welcomed by a cheering crowd.

The Royal party was greeted by the deputy lieutenant of Worcestershire Angela Brinton and several civic dignitaries including Councillor Adrian Hardman, the leader of Worcestershire County Council.

Inside the building the Queen enjoyed a tour of the ground floor – taking in the new children’s library – while Prince Philip was taken to the third floor.

The Queen, escorted by the Duke of Gloucester and Coun Hardman, was taken to the summer reading challenge, where she was introduced to Worcestershire’s young poet laureate Rowan Standish-Haines.

She also met artists whose work is exhibited in the Hive and visited the council’s customer service hub.

After their visit to the Hive, the royal couple were taken to Worcester’s Guildhall before stepping out into a packed High Street to meet people.

Following the walkabout they were taken to Worcester Cathedral for a celebratory service, attended by about 1,000 people.

A prayer was said by the Rev Canon Dr Georgina Byrne and Bishop John gave the blessing before the congregation sang God Save The Queen.

The Queen then unveiled a plaque before leaving the cathedral, marking the end of her successful visit to Worcester.